User:Joshbuddy/Beliefs and Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses

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Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses include activities common to many christian denominations, such as evangelism, gathering for group worship and study, and donating money to support their religious activities. This article discusses how the doctrines as well as non-doctrinal organizational and cultural arrangements manifest themselves in the practices and stances of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Contents 1 Funding 2 Evangelism 3 Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls 4 Meetings 4.1 The Theocratic Ministry School 4.2 The Service Meeting 4.3 The Public Talk 4.4 The Watchtower Study 4.5 The Book Study 5 Memorial of Christ's Death 5.1 External links 6 Neutrality 6.1 Saluting flags 6.2 Military service 6.3 Political activity 7 Association 8 Disfellowshipping (excommunication) 9 Medicine and health 9.1 Overview of blood-based treatments 9.2 Blood transfusions 9.3 Bloodless surgery 9.4 Other medical treatments with blood-derived components 9.5 Vaccinations 9.6 Organ transplants 9.7 Abortion 9.8 Alternative Medicine and related health practices 10 Disaster relief 11 Literacy programs 12 See also 13 The Bible 14 Beliefs about God 14.1 The Name of God 14.1.1 In the Old Testament 14.1.2 In the New Testament 14.2 The Nature of God (non-Trinitarian) 15 Beliefs About Jesus Christ 16 Problem of Evil 17 Baptism 18 Salvation 19 Neutrality 20 Creation and the Flood 21 Religious Symbols 22 Eschatology: the Condition of the Dead and Judgment Day 23 Moral Standards 24 Blood 25 Development of Doctrine 25.1 Progressive Development of Witness Teachings - A Timeline 25.2 Significance of Doctrinal Changes 25.3 Importance of Doctrine 26 Jehovah's Witnesses and other religions 27 Reference & Research Materials 28 Beliefs and Practices 28.1 Bible 28.2 Basis for Beliefs 28.3 The Nature of God 28.4 The Nature of Christ 28.5 Worship 28.6 Eschatology 28.7 Salvation 28.8 Discipline 28.8.1 Marking 28.8.2 Reproof 28.8.3 Disfellowshipping 28.9 Construction and Humanitarian Efforts 28.10 Practices 28.10.1 Morality 28.10.2 Nationalism and Holidays 28.10.3 Family Life 28.10.4 Neutrality 28.11 Death 28.12 Blood 29 Notes and references

[edit] Funding

Jehovah's Witnesses fund their activities, such as publishing, constructing and operating facilities, evangelism, and disaster relief via donations. There is no tithing or collection, but all are encouraged to donate to the organization; Witnesses typically provide an opportunity for members of the public to make such donations as they encounter them in their preaching work. Donation boxes labeled for several specific purposes, are located in Kingdom Halls and other meeting facilities. Generally there is a Kingdom Hall fund for operating expenses locally, and a general fund for the "Worldwide Work", which includes the printing of literature, organization of conventions, supporting missionaries and disaster relief.

The accounts (including donations) and the financial operation of the local congregation are reviewed monthly with the entire congregation at the Service Meeting. (This meeting is open to the public.) Donations are also accepted via mail, and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society can be named as a beneficiary to an estate, and also accepts donations in the form of life insurance policies, pension plans, bank accounts, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, real estate, annuities and trusts.

[edit] Evangelism

As their name implies, Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their intensive witnessing, or, proselytizing, efforts. Witnesses generally refer to their evangelizing activities by terms such as: "preaching," "disciple-making", "service," "the ministry," and, more formally, but less frequently, "evangelizing". All members (known as "publishers") who are healthy enough are strongly encouraged to go from door to door, participating in this activity to the extent that their circumstances allow, every week if at all possible. Even children are encouraged to participate, accompanied by their parents. A publisher who fails to participate for a month is known as an "irregular publisher"; publishers who have not compiled and turned in a field service report for six consecutive months are known as "inactive publishers". Witnesses who spend at least 840 hours of witnessing during a year (an average of 70 hours per month) are known as "regular pioneers". Witnesses who wish to spend 50 hours per month are known as "auxiliary pioneers" and can serve in this capacity either a month at a time or consecutively.

Witnesses have, in the past, used a wide variety of methods to spread their faith, including information marches, where members wore sign boards and handed out leaflets, to sound cars, and syndicated newspaper columns and radio spots devoted to sermons. Between 1924 and 1957, the organization operated a radio station, WBBR, from New York. They discarded this medium largely due to the prevalence of [teleevangelist] radio programs to minimize identification with other religious groups. In recent decades, additional methods have included preaching by telephone, at bus stops, places of business and in the street. Specialized territories of residential and commercial areas are made up within a congregation's boundaries and distributed to publishers.

Currently, door-to-door evangelizing for the Witnesses involves endeavouring to engage individuals in discussion of religious matters and offering literature about their faith, with the goal of starting a Bible study with anyone who shows an interest. The production of literature is supported by donations. No financial or material rewards are offered for conversion. Publishers carry forms knowns as "not-at-home slips" to keep record of those homes that need revisiting at another time when its occupants are at home.

[edit] Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls

Jehovah's Witnesses call their meeting places "Kingdom Halls" instead of churches, to indicate that the gathering of the congregation is what is important, not the physical location itself. Another reason is that they deem the use of the term church to now be largely confusing and inaccurate because the term in its Biblical context actually refers to a gathering or a "congregation" of people and not to the meeting place or the building itself (see the etymology of the word). In general, the buildings are functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols.

In many countries, the Witnesses have "Assembly Halls" where about twenty congregations meet two or three times a year for one-day or two-day Assemblies. In countries and areas without such Assembly Halls, or when attendance is expected to exceed seating capacity, the annual assemblies are held in borrowed or rented facilities suitable for the purpose, such as public auditoriums.

The Assembly Halls are typically too small to accommodate the larger "District Conventions" and "International Conventions." Once a year Jehovah's Witnesses come together at larger assemblies called "District Conventions" which are usually three days long. Every fifth year "International Conventions", with visiting delegates from a number of foreign countries usually lasting three to four days, are held in selected cities. The attendance of some "International Conventions" number into the hundreds of thousands with the largest-ever gathering held in New York in 1958 at the Yankee Stadium and Polo Grounds with a peak attendance exceeding 250,000.

The great majority of the Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls, as well as the Watchtower Society's headquarters and branch office facilities around the world, have been constructed by the Witnesses themselves freely contributing their own time. The needed finances come from voluntary contributions made by Jehovah's Witness members according to each one's means and inclination.

[edit] Meetings

Congregation meetings [1] are held three times a week. All meetings are generally synchronous, so that all congregations are studying the same material at the same meeting. Meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses open and close with prayer. Hymns called Kingdom songs are usually sung at meetings held in the Kingdom Hall, as well as at assemblies and conventions. Dress for meetings is local formal attire. For instance in most Western countries this would consist of a suit and tie for males, and conservative dresses/skirts for females (pants are considered inappropriate for meetings). Meetings are free to attend, and are open to the public.

[edit] The Theocratic Ministry School

On a weekday evening, the 'Theocratic Ministry School' is held. The School is designed to train Publishers to be more effective in their ministry. The publishers are trained in how to use the Bible. Over the course of a few years, the entire Bible is discussed and part of it is read aloud. The publishers are encouraged to read the rest personally. Then practical training is given on how to give a short public talk, doing Bible research, and presenting material to people one might meet in the public ministry. Enrollment is voluntary and open to all congregation members in good standing. Students in the school receive assignments on a rotating basis. At each meeting, six students give brief speeches on pre-selected Bible topics, and an instructor comments on the speech and offers commendation on specific points of delivery. Additional constructive criticism is sometimes given privately. The Theocratic Ministry School is an hour in length.

[edit] The Service Meeting

This is followed by the 'Service Meeting', a training program for their preaching work. This forty-five minute meeting gives the publishers practical instructions that will help them to become more efficient in carrying on their house-to-house ministry. The program provides a variety of methods for instructing and teaching. There are talks, demonstrations, question-and-answer parts, interviews and discussions between two or more persons. Our Kingdom Ministry, a monthly publication of Jehovah's Witnesses, outlines the material to be covered during the Service Meeting.

[edit] The Public Talk

A qualified elder or ministerial servant delivers a discourse on a Bible-based subject. The speaker may be from the local congregation or from another congregation, usually nearby. This Public Meeting is generally held on Sundays, but can be on another day if that is more convenient for the congregation (this is most usual when more than 4 congregations share a Kingdom Hall). This talk is particularly directed toward interested members of the public who are not Jehovah's Witnesses.

[edit] The Watchtower Study

Generally following the Public Talk, after the intermission of a Kingdom Song, is the Watchtower Study. The Bible is studied with the aid of an article in the Watchtower magazine. An experienced elder (the Watchtower Study Conductor) leads the discussion from the platform. Each paragraph is read by a fluent reader who is a 'brother in good standing' and is assigned by the conductor for that week. Questions included in the article for that paragraph are then posed to the audience. After calling on one or more in attendance to express themselves on that question, the conductor will often ask follow-up questions of his own or offer comments himself before moving to the next paragraph. Many of the numerous scriptures cited in the study article will be read aloud by called-on members of the audience. Four or five review questions are typically asked at the end of an article. These meetings usually last 2 hours from opening prayer to closing prayer.

[edit] The Book Study

At a separate time during the week the 'Congregation Book Study' is held, for which Witnesses meet in small groups of about 10 to 15, usually in the private homes of members, and typically lasting an hour. Spiritual topics are covered using a study book or a brochure prepared by Jehovah's Witnesses and Bible. The material usually has some questions prepared, and a discussion is encouraged starting with these questions. The Q&A format and conductor-reader arrangement is similar to the Watchtower study, but the meeting format is smaller, less formal, and more interactive. The elder who serves as conductor for a book study group is generally loosely responsible for 'shepherding' those publishers who attend it and for organizing field service meetings and arrangements for them. In some lands exercising a ban on the activity of Jehovah's Witnesses, such book study groups become "mini-congregations" that meet individually for all meetings except on occasion. This allows their activity to go relatively unnoticed by governmental authorities as would larger gatherings.

[edit] Memorial of Christ's Death

See also: Eucharist

Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate Christ's death as a ransom or propitiatory sacrifice by observing The Lord's Evening Meal, or Memorial, each year on Nisan 14 according to the ancient Jewish calendar. They believe that this is the only celebration commanded for Christians in the Bible. In support, they often cite Jesus' words found at 1 Corinthians 11:25, 26, NWT, "'Keep doing this ... in remembrance of me.'" Of those who attend the Memorial a small minority worldwide will partake of the eating of the unleavened bread and the drinking of the wine. (For statistics of the number of partakers in relationship to non-partakers, see Jehovah's Witnesses (Membership))

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only a small minority, called the "anointed," can partake of the bread and wine. (see Jehovah's Witnesses (Salvation)) The persons who actually partake, are in general considered of the "anointed," though Jehovah's Witnesses believe that some of them may be in error.

The celebration of the Memorial of Christ's Death proceeds as follows: In advance of the Memorial, Jehovah's Witnesses invite anyone that may be interested to attend this special night. The week of the Memorial is generally filled with special activity in the ministry (e.g. door-to-door work). A suitable hall, for example a Kingdom Hall, is prepared for the occasion. The Memorial begins with a song and a prayer. The prayer is followed by a discourse on the importance of the evening. A table is set with wine and unleavened bread. Jehovah's Witnesses believe the bread stands for Jesus Christ's body which he gave on behalf of mankind, and that the wine stands for his blood which redeems from sin. They do not believe in transubstantiation or consubstantiation. Hence, the wine and the bread are merely symbols (sometimes referred to as "emblems"), but they have a very deep and profound meaning for Jehovah's Witnesses. A prayer is offered and the bread is circulated among the audience. Only those who are "anointed" partake. Then another prayer is offered, and the wine is circulated in the same manner. After that, the evening concludes with a final song and prayer.

It is common for the bread and wine to be passed and have no partakers.

[edit] External links

• Reliving Jesus' Last Days on Earth - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site
• The Last Days of Jesus' Human Life - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site

[edit] Neutrality

Although in general respecting the law of the land, Jehovah's Witnesses do not salute flags, sing national anthems, or pledge allegiance to any state or nation. This is not intended as disrespect for any particular nation or for governments; Witnesses recognize the legitimacy of political leaders, believing that they are the "superior authorities" referred to by the Apostle Paul in Romans 13:1 (NWT), and are therefore to be respected. Indeed, in many places, the Witnesses have been commended for their law-abiding stance. They make a distinction, however, between a show of respect and what they consider to be a manifestation of worship. Jehovah's Witnesses feel that saluting a flag or singing a national anthem crosses the dividing line between the two. This is because they believe they owe allegiance solely to Jehovah (God), that he alone may be worshipped.^[1]

For Jehovah's Witnesses, Neutrality is defined as:

"The position of those who do not take sides with, or give support to, any of two or more contending parties. It is a fact of ancient and modern-day history that in every nation and under all circumstances true Christians have endeavored to maintain complete neutrality as to conflicts between factions of the world. They do not interfere with what others do about sharing in patriotic ceremonies, serving in the armed forces, joining a political party, running for a political office, or voting." - (Reasoning from the Scriptures, pages 269-270)

In this regard, Jehovah's Witnesses feel that their position is similar to that of the early Christians, who refused to sacrifice a few drops of wine or a few grains of incense to the Roman emperors even when faced with execution.

[edit] Saluting flags

Among the results of this belief in the United States are several cases of Constitutional law regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. The early cases establishing that government schools cannot mandate the Pledge, or the salute to the flag, all involved Witness students punished or threatened for their refusal.

Some courts in other countries have also protected the Witnesses' right to abstain from patriotic ceremonies. For example, in 1986, the Supreme Court of India held that no one can be forced to join in the singing of the national anthem if the person has a genuine, conscientious religious objection.

In a decision handed down on 1 March 1993, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Jehovah's Witnesses in a case involving Witness youths who were expelled from school because they respectfully declined to salute the flag.

[edit] Military service

Additionally, Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to serve in military organizations, citing the principle they call Christian Neutrality. They understand Jesus' words , "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world," to mean that they should take a neutral stand concerning political and military controversies. ^[2]

Historically, this refusal to join the military has created serious difficulties for Jehovah's Witnesses, particularly in war time. During World War II, young Witnesses in a number of countries were executed for their conscientious objection to war; even in more democratic countries they were generally refused exemption from conscription and have often been imprisoned.

Currently, there is less conflict between Witnesses and most governments over this matter, as many countries have abolished conscription, whereas others have recognized the views of conscientious objectors and thus instituted the right to alternative civilian service, which Witnesses generally accept. In certain republics of the former Soviet Union, however, as well as in South Korea, Singapore, and some countries in Africa, young Witness males continue to serve prison terms in connection with this issue. As of December 15th, 2005 there were 1044 Witnesses imprisoned over this issue in South Korea.

During World War II Jehovah's Witnesses were persecuted by the Allies and the Axis powers for refusing to participate in these powers' respective war efforts. (See Jehovah's Witnesses and the Holocaust).

Jehovah's Witnesses are not pacifists, that is to say, they are not opposed to the use of violence in all circumstances. They recognize, for instance, the legitimacy of the wars between the ancient nation of Israel and surrounding nations, and point out that passages in both the Old and New Testaments refer to God using warlike methods at times.

[edit] Political activity

In harmony with the principle of Christian neutrality, referred to above, Jehovah's Witnesses are discouraged from voting in elections, but not prohibited from voting. (Watchtower 1 Nov 1999. p.28) They do not however run for any political office. On the other hand, they do not seek to prevent or discourage others (non-Witnesses) from doing so, if they so desire.

[edit] Association

Jehovah's Witnesses are a close-knit community (members address each other as Brother and Sister) and take seriously the Scriptural injunction to "be no part of the world," thus many are not inclined to socialize with non-members, whom they consider "bad association."

Since a Witness has social interactions while on the job or at school, he is encouraged to use these times for witnessing to non-members. Such contacts are often used as opportunities for starting conversations about their beliefs, "informal witnessing," as they call it. Some of the training and study that goes on during the three weekly meetings involves the proper way to witness to a non-member. It must be noted, though, that even though Witnesses are looking for opportunities to speak about their faith, they are ordinary people with other everyday interests and concerns. However, most of them hold their religion to be the most important thing in their life.

Each congregation operates under the oversight of a body of elders. Social events deemed to be wholesome are encouraged, since they strengthen the bonds of the congregation. However, if elders deem a social event to be inappropriate then it is likely that some action would be taken to preserve the group's identity and values, likely bringing a scripture or elsewhere-published spiritual information to the attention of those in need of it. Large social gatherings without proper oversight are discouraged.

It is not, however, the role of elders to make decisions for the congregation's members. In 1995, The Watchtower gave the following direction to elders: "In matters of conscience, therefore, elders do not make decisions for those under their care. They explain the Bible principles involved in a matter and then allow the individuals involved to use their own powers of reason to make a decision. This is a serious responsibility, yet it is one that the individual himself must bear." (6/15, page 22.)

Coming from different backgrounds and living different lives, each Christian has particular areas of focus and a unique perspective on non-doctrinal related matters. Thus, integrating diverse personalities into a congregational setting can be challenging. Things that are not directly regulated in the Bible are matters that each person himself must decide on. Some have a very hard view with a conscience that can allow for almost nothing, while some have a more forgiving attitude.^[3]

Sociologist Rodney Stark notes: "Jehovah's Witnesses are expected to conform to rather strict standards, [but] enforcement tends to be very informal, sustained by the close bonds of friendship within the group. That is, while Witness elders can impose rather severe sanctions (such as expulsion and shunning) on deviant members, they seldom need to do so -- and when they do, the reasons for their actions will be widely-known and understood within the group. Moreover, even if leaders are not always very democratic, the path to leadership is. As a result, Witnesses tend to see themselves as part of the power structure, rather than subjected to it. It is this, not 'blind fanaticism' (as is so often claimed by outsiders and defectors), that is the real basis of authority among Witnesses." (Journal of Contemporary Religion)

(A note on Jehovah's Witnesses and democracy: As of 1932, Jehovah's Witnesses are not a democratic, but a theocratic organization. Appointment of elders and overseers in the congregation is a decision made by the elders already serving there, in conjunction with regional overseers and the national branch office, there is no election process and no vote of members is taken. However, in some situations, where local law requires the congregation to be an incorporated society or similar legal entity, congregation members may be asked to confirm their approval of a decision, often involving the spending of (donated) congregation funds.)

Although many young Witnesses do engage in casual recreational sports, the association discourages its members from extensively participating in athletic activities to avoid giving undue importance to sports or recreation. Members are discouraged (but not prohibited) from watching or participating in violent sports.

Members not of marriageable age are strongly discouraged from courting, which, the Witnesses believe, is for those considering marriage only and should be avoided until both members are prepared for marriage. Little research has been done on the average age at which Witnesses marry, but former and current members agree that witnesses are more likely to marry at an early age - often between their late teens and early twenties. A 1994 survey in which all Jehovah's Witnesses in the Federal Republic of Germany were invited to participate, revealed that only 4.9% of them are divorced or separated, and many of these were already in this state before becoming Witnesses. The 2001 academic study ARIS identified an above average number of single, never-married adults in the U.S. among those self-identifying as Witnesses (27%), as well as below average numbers of unmarried cohabiting adults and separated or divorced adults. The same study noted that 71% of adults self-identifying as Witnesses were female.

[edit] Disfellowshipping (excommunication)

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and disfellowshipping

All members are expected to abide by Bible requirements as understood by Jehovah's Witnesses, and serious violations of these requirements can result in disfellowshipping, or excommunication. There are a number of offenses, which can result in disfellowshipping. These include: Abortion, adultery, apostasy, associating with one who is disfellowshipped or disassociated, bestiality, blood transfusions, drug abuse (non-medical), drunkenness, extortion, fornication, fraud, gambling, heresy, homosexual activity, idolatry, incest, interfaith, loose conduct - "One might assume that [loose conduct] (from the Greek word a·sel´gei·a) refers to conduct that is immoral but in a minor or not so serious way. This, however, is not the case according to the available evidence in Scripture and also in the ancient secular Greek writings in which this word appears. It is not limited to acts of sexual immorality. If a baptised Witness begins to teach doctrines contrary to the organisation's interpretation of the Bible it is grounds for disfellowshipping for apostasy.

Jehovah's Witnesses practice shunning (ignoring) after disfellowshipping and disassociation because:

• to tolerate violations of the Bible's standards in their ranks would bring reproach on God's name and organization.
• shunning keeps the congregation free of possible corrosive influences^[4]
• there is hope that such a serious measure will motivate the person in question to re-evaluate his course of action, repent and rejoin the organisation. - The Bible's Viewpoint - Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Arrangement Awake! September 8, 1996, p. 96.

Shunning is also practised when written letters of disassociation have been submitted by an individual, or if it is believed that a person has disassociated by their actions, such as by attending another religion's services; thus Jehovah's Witnesses refer to these as "disassociated".

Disfellowshipping is not necessarily permanent. If a disfellowshipped person repents of his former conduct, he may be reinstated into the congregation. No specific period of time is prescribed before this can happen; in most cases, at least six months pass, in many cases, considerably longer. Statistics appear to show that about one third of those disfellowshipped eventually return to the group.

[edit] Medicine and health

The Witnesses' teachings in general promote a healthy lifestyle. Magazine articles in the Awake! oftentimes discuss ways of maintaining both mental and physical health. In general, they encourage standard medical practices such as regular checkups, reliance on modern medical techniques to treat illnesses, etc. except when they consider certain techniques to violate Bible principles.

They believe that smoking and recreational drug use is incompatible with Christian principles.^[5] Mostly due to the legality, the addictive nature, and established health risks associated with those activities. Drinking alcohol is viewed as permissible, since there is precedence in the Bible. If one of Jehovah's Witnesses does drink, it should only be in moderation. Drunkenness is not permitted.^[6]

[edit] Overview of blood-based treatments

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood

Jehovah's Witnesses view of blood has been a common source of controversy. Though Jehovah's Witnesses view "Abstinence from blood" to have health benefits, it cannot be overemphasized that the basis for the belief is a spiritual one, not a medical one. The current stand on blood is to reject whole blood transfusions and the four of major components of blood, these being, red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets.

Since 1945, Jehovah's Witnesses have refused to receive homologous or autologous blood transfusions. This is because they consider blood to be sacred, representing life, and that the proper treatment of blood once it leaves the body is for it to be "poured out" or disposed of. This is an inconsistency in the teaching as blood fractions may be transfused and blood samples given for blood tests. ^[7]

The blood doctrine has had major changes over time. Originally Bible Students followed the generally accepted Christian understanding that to eat or transfuse blood was acceptable. The statement at Acts 15:29 to abstain from blood was taken to apply only to congregations that had a mix of Jews and Gentiles.^[8] Blood was not forbidden to be eaten until 1927.^[9] In 1945 blood transfusions were also forbidden^[10] and in 1961 to have a blood transfusion would result in being disfellowshipped.^[11] This included transfusing whole blood, haemoglobin and minor blood fractions.

Since the 1980's there has been an easing of the blood policy. In 1982, Awake! contained a list of minor blood components that were now allowable to be transfused by a Jehovah's Witness.^[12] In 1995, The Watchtower stated as acceptable Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution (ANH) and autologous blood salvage procedure (Cell Saver), despite being briefly stored outside the blood.^[13]

Major changes to blood policy occurred in 2000 with blood fractions of the primary components becoming a conscience matter.^[14] In 2004, transfusing haemoglobin, one of the major components of blood became permitted.^[15] Non blood substitutes such as PolyHeme and Hemopure, despite being made from human and cow's blood respectively are also permissible. Immunoglobulin injections are another conscience matter, even though requiring 3 litres of blood to manufacture and often coming from pooled blood sources containing the blood of up to 60,000 people.

[edit] Blood transfusions

It is well-known in the medical community that Jehovah's Witnesses categorically refuse all blood transfusions of whole blood, and plasma.

To facilitate surgery without violating their belief against transfusions, the Governing Body has set up "Hospital Liaison Committees" to enroll doctors and surgeons who will practice "bloodless surgery" for Witness patients. Currently there are some 1600 such committees in 200 different countries of the world, and over 110,000 doctors and surgeons who have agreed to treat Jehovah's Witnesses without making an issue of blood transfusions.

"Hospital Information Services", a department of the World Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses researches medical literature on the subject and translates medical-journal articles into dozens of languages. This department provides information to the local Hospital Liaison Committees.

The Watch Tower Society has published information about the medical matters in general and blood transfusion in particular in order to both provide an explanation of their view, and also promote the idea that the practice violates God's laws.

• Medical Care and Blood - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Website
• How Can Blood Save Your Life?

Many Witnesses carry a "Hospital Care Card" or an "Advance Medical Directive/Release card" ("No Blood" card) and, in some countries, a health-care durable power of attorney (DPA) form, outlining their wishes in case of emergencies. They also give this information to medical personnel prior to surgeries or other medical procedures that might involve the blood issue, organ transplants, or a decision whether or not to sustain their lives under any circumstances.

Minor children have an "Identity Card" outlining the wishes of the parents or guardians, and including information on how to contact a parent, relative, or somebody responsible for the child.

[edit] Bloodless surgery

While Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood for religious reasons, there are non-Witness patients who also choose to avoid blood on non-religious grounds such as concern about AIDS, non-A non-B hepatitis, and immunologic reactions. As a result, bloodless surgery and transfusion alternatives are more commonplace than in the past. For example, Pennsylvania Hospital has a bloodless medicine program PennHealth - Bloodless Medicine. Worldwide there are 106 medical centers to date that provide bloodless medicine programs, with 99 in the United States alone [2].

Thousands of physicians around the world are now successfully treating patients without using blood transfusions. Many medical facilities offer bloodless medicine and surgery as a special service for adult and pediatric patients who wish to avoid blood transfusions, whatever the reasons for their choice, even in such invasive operations such as open-heart surgery and total hip replacements [3], [4], [5], [6]

For example, a major study published in both the Journal of the American Medical Association and the British Medical Journal The Lancet showed that in many cases transfusions were actually not as necessary as healthcare providers often believe. A summary of the study states:

[E]xamining the case records of nearly 2,000 adult Jehovah's Witnesses who underwent surgery without transfusions at 12 hospitals, including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Dr. Carson reported that most patients did very well. In another study comparing patients who did and did not receive blood across a data base of 8,787 hip surgery patients, Dr. Carson and his colleagues reported that transfusions increased the rate of complications, but did not improve survival rates. [Emphasis added]

Jehovah's Witnesses have produced several video documentaries showing the benefits of nonblood techniques. These feature interviews with many leading surgeons and prominent physicians in this field of medicine from around the globe. ^[16]

However, in cases of certain medical emergencies when bloodless medicine is not available, blood transfusions may seem to be the only available way to save a life. Such situations are obviously very serious. However, the Jehovah's Witness patient still must not accept blood. In those instances, Witnesses ask conscientious doctors to provide the best alternative care possible under the circumstances, respecting the beliefs and consciences of their Witness patients. This has led to the death of members, as stated in the May 22, 1994 issue of Awake, p. 2: "In former times thousands of youths died for putting God first. They are still doing it, only today the drama is played out in hospitals and courtrooms, with blood transfusions the issue."

[edit] Other medical treatments with blood-derived components

Although Witnesses refuse transfusions of stored autologous blood, the use of minor blood fractions, such as Factor VIII, is considered to be a matter for personal choice, as is the use of dialysis machines and cell salvage, a procedure which recycles blood during operations.

[edit] Vaccinations

The Witnesses' position on vaccination has changed over the years.

Witness literature first mentions vaccination in 1921, and stated in 1923: "Vaccination, summed up, is the most unnatural, unhygienic, barbaric, filthy, abhorrent, and most dangerous system of infection known. Its vile poison taints, corrupts, and pollutes the blood of the healthy, resulting in ulcers, syphilis, scrofula, erysipelas, tuberculosis, cancer, tetanus, insanity, and death."^[17]

Later, the Watchtower Society's position changed. In 1952, it stated: "The matter of vaccination is one for the individual that has to face it to decide for himself. Each individual has to take the consequences for whatever position and action he takes toward a case of compulsory vaccination, doing so according to his own conscience and his appreciation of what is for good health and the interests of advancing God's work. And our Society cannot afford to be drawn into the affair legally or take the responsibility for the way the case turns out."^[18]

[edit] Organ transplants

The Witnesses' position on organ transplants has also changed over time.

Concerning organ transplants and autopsies, In 1952, The Watchtower stated: "Is there any Scriptural objection to . . . accepting organs for transplant from such a source? Humans were allowed by God to eat animal flesh and to sustain their human lives by taking the lives of animals, though they were not permitted to eat blood. Did this include eating human flesh, sustaining one's life by means of the body or part of the body of another human, alive or dead? No! That would be cannibalism, a practice abhorrent to all civilized people. . . Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic. However, in allowing man to eat animal flesh Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others."^[19]

In 1980, the same magazine wrote that some "sincere Christians" felt that the Bible did not rule out medical transplants of human organs. It said: "Clearly, personal views and conscientious feelings vary on this issue of transplantation. It is well known that the use of human materials for human consumption varies all the way from minor items, such as hormones and corneas, to major organs, such as kidneys and hearts. While the Bible specifically forbids consuming blood, there is no Biblical command pointedly forbidding the taking in of other human tissue. For this reason, each individual faced with making a decision on this matter should carefully and prayerfully weigh matters and then decide conscientiously what he or she could or could not do before God. It is a matter for personal decision.^[20]

It is interesting to note how this and similar changes affect individuals. Some are upset by the changes, while others see it as evidence of a progressive organization.

[edit] Abortion

Abortions are forbidden by their faith, on the basis of the belief that human life starts at conception.^[21] "There might be a situation in which, at the time of childbirth, a choice has to be made between the life of the mother and that of the child. It would be up to the individuals concerned to make that choice. In many lands, however, advances in medical procedures have made this situation very rare."^[22] They are not against contraception, as long as the contraceptive method works by preventing conception, as opposed to being an early abortifacient abortion.

[edit] Alternative Medicine and related health practices

Alternative forms of medical treatment are basically an area for personal decision. Aside from such things as discussed above, the Watch Tower Society's official position on medical and health issues is that it "does not make recommendations or decisions for individuals on medical and diagnostic practices. If certain practices have aspects that are questionable in the light of Bible principles, however, attention may be called to these. Then each person can weigh what is involved and decide what to do."^[23] This would include a wide variety of practices such as tantra, shamanism, yoga, crystals, acupuncture, herbology, etc. Each issue should be examined on its own. For example:

• Yoga: Jehovah's Witnesses' position on Yoga is that it is a "detestable thing" similar to what God called the practices of Canaan in the times of Ancient Israel. Quoting religious practitioners of Yoga who state that it is the act of "yoking" the self with a supernatural spirit, the Watchtower Society has concluded that it is not an acceptable activity for Christians even if done under a non-religious setting (such as for exercise).^[24]

• Traditional Chinese Medicine: Jehovah's Witnesses' have no official position on whether or not Traditional Chinese Medicine including Acupuncture and Herbology are acceptable or unacceptable for Christians. Based on a recent Awake! magazine, it states "Awake! does not endorse any particular treatment for health problems. Christians should be certain that any treatment they pursue does not conflict with Bible principles." In that article, they simply describe the different remedies, and leave it open to whether a Christian could utilize any of the techniques listed.^[25]

[edit] Disaster relief

Disaster relief to those within the organization is an important aspect of organizational activities. The organization of such relief is taken care of by the president of the governing body in collaboration with a committee headed by him.^[26] One of the Society's branch offices may be asked to take care of the need. The prime focus is on helping fellow believers, although others also receive assistance to some degree. Assistance often consists of both material and spiritual forms.

Samples of relief work include the French Branch Office of Jehovah's Witnesses which operates a non-governmental organization known as AidAfrique providing material help to Witnesses experiencing disasters in Africa. During the war in the former Yugoslavia, Witnesses from Austria and Germany provided material assistance to fellow believers in Sarajevo. Until not long ago, the Swedish branch specifically provided assistance to Congo-Kinshasa. Witness literature occasionally publishes reports covering relief work, and the Society also will issue press releases as well.

[edit] Literacy programs

Jehovah's Witnesses offer literacy programs in countries where there is a need. For example, Witness literacy classes in Nigeria between 1962 and 1994 were attended by upwards of 25,000 persons. In the same country, the literacy rate among Witnesses is over 90%, in contrast to the average of 68% for the population in general.

For this purpose, two booklets have been produced: Learn to Read and Write (1958 in Spanish) and Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing (1983 in French; 1997 in English).

For those with limited reading ability and comprehension, the magazine You Can Be God's Friend offers the ability for prepare for baptism without the standard literacy-intensive process.

[edit] See also

• Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses
• Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses

Part of a series on Jehovah's Witnesses
About Jehovah's Witnesses
Demographics
Organizational structure
Governing Body · Legal instruments Faithful and Discreet Slave
History
Bible Student movement Jehovah's Witnesses splinter groups
Government interactions
Supreme Court cases
Persecution
United States · Canada Nazi Germany
Controversies
Beliefs
Beliefs and practices
God's name · Eschatology Blood · Disfellowshipping
Literature
The Watchtower · Awake! New World Translation
Digital Files
Watchtower MP3 | Awake MP3
Related people
Formative influences
C.T. Russell · William Miller N.H. Barbour · Jonas Wendell
Watchtower Presidents
J.F. Rutherford · N.H. Knorr F.W. Franz · M.G. Henschel D.A. Adams
Notable Watchtower Officials
Hayden C. Covington · A. H. Macmillan
Notable Former Jehovah's Witnesses
Raymond Franz · James Penton Olin R. Moyle
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The beliefs and doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are based on the Biblical studies and interpretations conducted by the founders and leaders of the movement.

[edit] The Bible

They accept the literalness of the Genesis account of the Flood, and the historicity of Bible personages such as Noah, Samson and Jonah. Though they do not consider the Bible a scientific book, they believe that where it touches on science it is completely accurate. For a discussion of Jehovah's Witnesses' views regarding the Genesis creation account see the section, "Creation and the Flood" below.

They generally use a translation of the Bible that they commissioned in the mid-twentieth century, known as the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT).

The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures, a version of the New Testament that includes the Greek text with a literal, word-for-word English translation underneath, states: "From the time of the Roman Catholic clergyman John Wycliffe, of the 14th century, until the final decades of this 20th century, many English translations of the inspired writings of Christ's disciples have been made. All of these have had their own commendable features. They have considerably met the needs of the day for a rendering of God's Word into the common language of the people. Much good has been accomplished by them and yet will be. However, it is to be noted that, while each of them has its points of merit, they have fallen victim to the power of religious traditions in varying degrees." In this context, it should be noted that the New World Translation is heavily influenced by (some might say "has fallen victim to") the religious tradition of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

[edit] Beliefs about God

[edit] The Name of God

Witnesses emphasize the importance of God's name, Jehovah, which is an English form of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton. The Tetragrammaton is used extensively throughout the Hebrew Scriptures, or "Old Testament", appearing nearly 7,000 times in the original text.

Citing Christ's words in the Lord's Prayer, "hallowed be thy name", as well as other biblical passages, they believe that "our salvation is closely linked with a proper appreciation of God's name." [7]. The Witnesses' New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures reflects this emphasis by using the name Jehovah in both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures ("New Testament").

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the Tetragrammaton originally appeared in some places in the autographs of the New Testament, but was subsequently removed by scribes. There is no definite way to proof this claim since we do not have the original autographs. What they use to support this claim is that some ancient fragments of the Septuagint Greek Old Testament contain the Tetragrammaton in Hebrew letters. They feel that when the NT writers quoted the Greek Septuagint, where the Tetragrammaton appeared, or quoted the Hebrew text, that they would have been obliged to faithfully include the Tetragrammaton. ^[27] They do acknowledge, however, that no extant NT manuscript contains the Tetragrammaton.

They identify God using the most commonly accepted English rendering of the Tetragrammaton: "Jehovah". The English form "Jehovah" is a romanised transliteration of the Hebrew name for God. Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide identify God by whatever form of the Tetragrammaton is common in their language. While not opposed to the name “Yahweh” there are at least two reasons why it is not commonly used. First, they feel it could be inconsistent to use “Yahweh” and not change other Biblical names that have the Divine name included. For example, if Yahweh was used so should Ye·shua, instead of Jesus, or Yehoh-sha·phat́ instead of Jehoshaphat, etc. The second reason is brought out in a issue of Biblical Archaeology Review. There reference is made to the fact that a two-syllable pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton as “Yahweh” would not allow for the o vowel sound to exist as part of God’s name. Thus the article stated, “When the Tetragrammaton was pronounced in one syllable it was ‘Yah’ or ‘Yo.’ When it was pronounced in three syllables it would have been ‘Yahowah’ or ‘Yahoowah.’ If it was ever abbreviated to two syllables it would have been ‘Yaho.’”“ Thus “Jehovah” preserves three syllables, whereas “Yahweh” only two. ^{[28] [29]}

They believe that the use of God's personal name is required in order to build a personal relationship with him, and to be saved.^[30]

[edit] In the Old Testament

The Hebrew divine name of God, ("YHWH" in Latin characters), is found in the Old Testament 6,828 times. In the process of translation into modern languages, most Bibles, in keeping with a Jewish tradition, either remove the proper name entirely (replacing it with a (possibly ambiguous) title: "God" or "LORD" in all capitals), or transliterate it (as either "Jehovah" or "Yahweh") only a handful of times. The New World Translation of Jehovah's Witnesses (NWT), as well as the Roman Catholic Jerusalem Bible and New Jerusalem Bible, differ significantly here from almost all other Bibles. The NWT consistently renders all 6,828 instances of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton (divine name) as "Jehovah" and, for a variety of other reasons, is preferred by Jehovah's Witnesses to other translations which also use the proper name of God. Among these is the introduction in the Old Testament of 141 more instances where they believe the name should appear, even though it is not found in the available and commonly recognized sources. They cite the works of C.D. Ginsburg to justify these additional uses, with the exception of one verse supported by the "Biblia Hebraica" and the "Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia".^[31] Such deliberate use of the name is a result of what they believe to be a deep respect for the "Author of our salvation."

[edit] In the New Testament

One key belief of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the early Christians used the divine name in their worship, preaching, and writings, even though the earliest manuscripts available for the New Testament do not indicate that this was the case. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the divine name was removed from New Testament manuscripts and replaced by the word for Lord in the first and second centuries due to the influence of the Jewish tradition which also affected the Septuagint from which writers of Biblical Greek would have been quoting. With this belief in mind, the New World Translation is unique in having 237 instances of the divine name in the New Testament.

To support the belief in the prominent usage of the divine name, they refer to scriptures such as this as evidence: "I have revealed your name to those whom you took from the world to give me" (John 17:6). "Making God's name known" is believed by Jehovah's Witnesses to have been a fundamental emphasis of early Christians, as a reaction to the Jewish tradition of not uttering the divine name. The act of using the name in the New Testament is considered a continuation of this supposed early Christian precedent. Therefore, in the New World Translation, New Testament passages that quote Old Testament scriptures containing the divine name are assumed to require "restoration" of the divine name, as the translators believe that it would be inconceivable that the author of a New Testament writing would have used a word such as Lord in place of the divine name.^[32]

Jehovah's Witnesses also cite evidences of early use of the divine name including:

• Ten manuscript fragments rendering the divine name by the Tetragrammaton written in ancient, archaic, square Hebrew characters or in the form of a double letter Yodh.
• The "J Texts", which are primarily other translations or translation aids to the Bible, were looked at as a guide to see where other translations introduced the divine name, and why.
• Origen a church father discussed the use of the Tetragrammaton in his Hexapla stating that "in the most accurate LXX (Septuagint) manuscripts THE NAME occurs in Hebrew characters."

[edit] The Nature of God (non-Trinitarian)

Jehovah's Witnesses believe the Bible teaches that God has four cardinal attributes: love, justice, wisdom, and power. Similar to other monotheists in the Judeo-Christian tradition, they believe God to be "personal" and not an impersonal "higher power". In addition, God is believed to reside in the spirit realm (i.e. heaven), and not present in all things (pantheism). He is believed to take an interest in human affairs and can be communicated to via prayer.

Unlike most other Christian churches, the Witnesses reject the doctrine of the Trinity, holding it to be unscriptural and of pagan origin. They believe that Jehovah God (the Father) and Jesus (the Son) are distinct spirit persons; that Jesus is a separate spirit being created by God and is in no sense God's equal; and that the holy spirit is not a person, but God's active force. They believe that this is a restoration of the beliefs of the first-century Christian Church.

The polemic, Should You Believe in the Trinity?, is an example of the Jehovah's Witnesses' arguments against the doctrine of the Trinity, and their view of the nature of God. In this work they primarily attack a modalist theory of the trinity.

[edit] Beliefs About Jesus Christ

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that, in the entire Universe, Jesus is second in authority to - and subject to - only his father Jehovah (God). They view Jesus as the perfect reflection of Jehovah's very being (Hebrews 1:3) as God's only begotten Son. They believe Jesus is a god, even a 'Mighty God', and the "Prince of Peace" (a title applied to him from Isaiah 9:6). They believe that the Greek term theos, applied to Jesus at John 1:1 is correctly interpreted to mean: "divine," or of a "divine nature" that exactly mirrors the Father's (Hebrews 1:3). Jehovah's Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine, particularly in the equality of the persons, as well as the notion that Jesus is Jehovah (Oneness). As a result, many conclude that Jehovah's Witnesses deny the divine nature of the Christ Jesus. Jehovah's Witnesses affirm the divine nature of Jesus, however, in the sense that he is the "reflection" of the Fathers' glory, and the "exact representation of His very being" (Hebrews 1:3 NWT); as opposed to an Orthodox view of the phrase ("divine nature") meaning that the Christ literally is God, one with God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Witnesses understand that Colossians 1:15 teaches he is "the firstborn of all creation" in a literal sense as opposed to the Orthodox notion of His being "Eternally Begotten". Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is the highest order of created being, but not the self-existent, uncreated God as is Jehovah.^[33] (See Arianism.)

They believe He was born of the virgin Mary as the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecy in order to bring the means of salvation not just to the Israelites, but for the first time ever, to the whole world. After his ministry on Earth, his death on a stake (they do not believe Jesus died on a cross), subsequent resurrection, and exaltation to the "right hand of God" (Acts 2:33-36), Jesus was given authority over all things (1 Corinthians 15:27, 28). They hold that Jesus did not rise from the dead in his physical body, as most Christians believe, but was raised as a spirit."^[34] They also believe that in his non-human form (prior to Incarnation and after Resurrection) he is Michael the Archangel (literally "The Preeminent Angel"). It is believed that this change in name is consistant with the change in names of the various patriarchs.

They believe that "Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members." (Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace" Copyright 1986, p. 10 paragraph 16) Only about 8,500 Jehovah's Witnesses claim to be of the 144,000 today.

[edit] Problem of Evil

One of the central beliefs of the Witnesses is the literalness of the Bible's accounts for explaining the existence of evil. The Bible states the existence of Satan as a literal spirit being, the Devil (slanderer, manslayer) who has made accusations (implied in the serpent's words to Eve in Book of Genesis chapter 3), casting aspersions on God's absolute sovereignty (or right to rule) over humans. Witnesses' believe that in order to be just, God has decided to answer the claims made by Satan in the Garden of Eden, namely whether or not individual creatures have the right to make independent choices or are made to be happier by following the will of God, by allowing humanity time to rule itself, and its inevitable failure to do so would finally prove that God's ways are superior.

This is usually portrayed using symbolism similar to a court drama. Jehovah is cast as the accused and witnesses are called by both the Devil and Jehovah to testify on behalf of current conditions among free mankind. Jehovah's Witnesses believe they act as witnesses in this heavenly court. Specifically, that their adherence to good moral conduct shows the Devil's philosophy of choice independent of God is fatally flawed.

The Witnesses also believe that the Devil raised a second issue in the Book of Job. In that book Satan is depicted as accusing Job of following God's commands out of self-interest. Witnesses believe that this charge has been leveled at all of humanity through the example of Job. Jesus, his disciples, and other pre-Christian worshippers of God, are said to overcome this defense by being willing to serve God while suffering, even directly as a result of deliberate evil actions.

God, therefore, allows the world to suffer, (as seen from a human standpoint a long time but from a standpoint of someone who is forever (Jehovah) only a very short period of time), so that Man is allowed freedom of choice. Intervening before all significant choices are exhausted could reduce the freedom of Man and also act to reduce the loyalty of the angels who are viewed as watching human history unfold with intense interest.

Witnesses also believe that the time for allowing humanity was predetermined by God, and that the end of that time was with the installment of Jesus as King in heaven. The "last days" of human rule began in 1914, and Witnesses expect the "Great Tribulation" to culminate in the destruction of one element of evil, false religions (all other religions, even those claiming to be Christian), followed by Armageddon, the destruction of governments and everyone who opposes God's intended Thousand Year rule through Christ.

[edit] Baptism

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that "Christian water baptism is an outward symbol that the one being baptized has made a complete, unreserved, and unconditional dedication through Jesus Christ to do the will of Jehovah God." (Reasoning From the Scriptures, page 54.)

• They believe that baptism involves complete immersion in water.

• Because infants are incapable of making a personal dedication to God, Infant baptism is not practiced among Jehovah's Witnesses.

• They do not baptize using the traditional formula of, "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." This causes their baptism to be viewed as invalid in some churches.

• They do not recognize baptisms from any other church and so converts from all other churches must be baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

NOTE: This is true even concerning baptisms of churches that practice Believers Baptism (e.g. Baptists, Pentecostals, Adventists). Although these churches have a similar understanding of the meaning of the term "baptism", Jehovah's Witnesses consider that other doctrinal differences are so great that baptisms performed in these churches do not represent a "complete, unreserved, and unconditional dedication ... to Jehovah God" made in accurate knowledge. They do not believe that an infant should be baptized because the infant is not able to study and apply God's word and can not make an informed decision of dedication.

[edit] Salvation

Jehovah's Witnesses reject the doctrine of universal salvation. They teach that salvation requires faith in Jesus Christ. They believe that salvation is a free gift from God, and that Christian works are evidence of their genuine faith—indeed, "faith without works is dead" (James 2:24). They reject the concept "once saved, always saved," believing that salvation will be granted to those who endure faithfully until the end.^[35] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that people currently alive must be actively associated with their religion alone, and become one of them as an essential requirement for salvation. Their literature states: "A third requirement is that we be associated with God's channel, his organization. . . Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it." (Watchtower 15 Feb 1983 p. 12) They also believe faithful Christians and worshippers of God in the past will also gain salvation via a resurrection, along with the non-Christian resurrected who then choose to serve God.

The group rejects the doctrine of predestination or fate, believing that all intelligent creatures are endowed with free will.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the hope for mankind is to live forever on a paradise earth. The hope for the dead is the resurrection to life on the restored earth.

Jehovah's Witnesses hold that baptized believers are classified into two groups. The one class is called the "anointed"class or "the little flock" (Luke 12:32). These are limited in number to 144,000 based on Revelation 14:1 and 4, and those of this class remaining alive today are called "the remnant." (Revelation 12:17). They are also considered to be "God’s sons" and "joint heirs" (Romans 8:14-16) with the son of God, Christ Jesus, and, consequently, they will co-rule with him in the "Kingdom of heavens". This class, therefore, has the hope of entering heaven after death. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Word of God is primarily directed to his 'sons', the "little flock" class, and therefore may not apply to the other Jehovah's Witnesses in a direct way. One example of this is the passage John 3:3. Jehovah's Witnesses hold that only his "sons" are "anointed" or "born again" in accordance to Jesus' words to Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Only those in the anointed class consume small portions of the unleavened bread and wine at the yearly commemoration of Christ's death, on the date corresponding with the Jewish date Nisan 14, commonly referred to as the Memorial, a special meeting held at Kingdom Halls, rented locations, and sometimes assembly halls. This meeting consists of a talk relating to the value of Jesus' shed blood and flesh, signified by the wine and the bread, respectively, along with a passing of emblems (bread and wine) throughout the audience. The remaining attendees, baptized Witnesses or otherwise, are considered observers only. (Compare with the Eucharist.)

The other class according to Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs was identified in 1935, and was then called the "Jonadab class." Today they are referred to as the "other sheep", based on the passage at John 10:16 where Jesus speaks of having "other sheep... that are not of this fold." This identification for the "other sheep" differs radically from the current mainstream view of this passage, namely that Jesus would bring his Jewish believers (little flock) and Gentile believers (other sheep) together into one fold.

This "other sheep" class of Jehovah's Witnesses make up more than 99% of their believers today. Though they are not "born again" as reigning "kings and priests" in God's Heavenly Kingdom, they anticipate being subjects of God's kingdom, enjoying everlasting life on a peaceful, paradisaic earth.^[36] This doctrine of two classes of believers is unique to Jehovah's Witnesses.

The "ingathering" of this heavenly class of "anointed" Witnesses is believed to have ceased for the most part in the early 1930's, when the ingathering of believers expressing an earthly hope rose sharply. Rarely will one find a younger "anointed" one, but the idea that individual "anointed" ones can be rejected and replaced is not unheard of. "Anointed" believers are generally given no more consideration than other elderly believers. They can be disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for the same sins as the "other sheep," and hold no special office within the congregational arrangement. Having the "anointed" status is, by Scriptural definition, a personal discovery during one's conversion, and an innate knowledge to be positively held by the individual alone. While falsely claiming to have this inner knowledge is a sin, it is in reality not the place of any other person to make this assessment for him or her, Witness or otherwise; the individual's publicly known in-depth understanding of Bible truth (including the role of the "anointed class") and his or her own "testimony" is what the congregation must accept. Historically, only male "anointed" members have been chosen to serve on their Governing Body.

Some critics claim that Jehovah's Witnesses' own literature contradicts the number 144,000 anointed as being filled in our modern times, as one issue of the Watchtower magazine lists over 910,000 Christians who experienced terrible torture and death for their faith in Christ during the beginnings of Christianity, as secular history also testifies during the first four centuries. (Watchtower 1951, 1 September, p. 516) This would present an obvious contradiction that 144,000 Christians never existed in full until the 20th century (1935) as currently taught by Jehovah's Witnesses through their organization the Watch Tower Society. Some reconcile this by responding that Jehovah's Witnesses also teach that the Apostasy foretold by Jesus began in earnest after the death of the last Apostle at the end of the 1st century. (Insight on the Scriptures, Vol 2, pp. 310-312) Beginning in the 2nd century, the Church began to adopt teachings that Jehovah's Witnesses believe are deviations from Scripture. (Watchtower 2001, 1 April, p. 14) Therefore, the members of the Church from that point forward are sometimes referred to in Watch Tower Society literature as "professed" Christians and are not considered to necessarily be "anointed". However, in the article in question, only 144,000 Egyptian Christians are stated to be merely "professed," leaving up to 766,000 other Christians that were said to be fighting for "The Christian stand." They also hold to this despite the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses themselves, including their modern "anointed" (since the late nineteenth century), have also held beliefs that are now considered deviations from Scripture due to "their bondage to Babylon the Great" ("world empire of false religion") and what they claim are its false religious doctrines, and still do not believe that they themselves have a completely accurate understanding of the Bible.^[37]

Jehovah's Witnesses believe God's Kingdom is a real heavenly government, established in 1914 and headed by Jesus Christ, along with a group of 144,000 faithful Christians.^[38] They refer to their witnessing activity as "preaching 'this good news of the kingdom'".^[39] This Kingdom or government will rule over the earth and restore the earth to its previous Edenic condition.^[40] At Armageddon, Jehovah God will remove wicked persons from the Earth once and for all and God's Kingdom will replace all human kingdoms, or governments.^[41] After Jesus and the 144,000 co-rulers have administered Earth's affairs for one thousand years and Satan's final test has been concluded, these individuals will turn over direct rulership of all creation back to Jehovah. (Rev. 20:3)

[edit] Neutrality

As they feel that their allegiance and subjection belongs, above all, to God's Kingdom, Jehovah's Witnesses remain politically neutral. For this reason, they refrain from saluting the flag of any country. Additionally, they believe that such an act would be tantamount to worshipping an idol. Correspondingly, they do not use any images or icons in their worship, including the symbol of the cross.

The political neutrality of Jehovah's Witnesses is also expressed by their refusal to participate in military service, even when such is of a compulsory nature, and by their detachment from secular politics. Jehovah's Witnesses are discouraged, but not prohibited under all circumstances, from voting in elections. (Watchtower 1 Nov 1999. p.28) They do not run for any political office, following the example Jesus set in fleeing from those who sought to make him king. Jehovah's Witnesses do not consider themselves member or citizen of any particular country. They consider themselves citizens of God's Kingdom. They consider war among the nations detestable in the eyes of God.

[edit] Creation and the Flood

According to Jehovah's Witnesses, the biblical view of creation encompasses all things living and non-living and extends to the very creation of the Universe itself. They believe that Jehovah is the First Cause of creation, bringing all things into existence.

They believe that Jesus (in his pre-human existence as a spirit creature) was the first direct creation of God and that, after that, Jesus was actively involved in the creation of all other things. (see also Christology below)

Witnesses' understanding of the Bible's account of creation differs from "Young Earth creationist." They do not believe in a "young earth", created only a few thousand years ago; they acknowledge that the universe has existed for billions of years, believing the creative days took place after the creation of heaven and earth described in Genesis 1:1. The "days" referred to in the Bible book of Genesis, chapter 1, were not literal 24-hour days, but are longer periods of time. In the 1940’s this was set at 7,000 years. As time passed, they came to believe that this time could encompass a much longer time based on the definition of the Hebrew world yohm, which could mean a non-24-hour day such as in "the days of Uzziah" found at Isaiah 1:1. Another example given is that all days in Genesis are said to have a beginning and an end, except for the last day. According to the author of the book of Hebrews, this 7th day was still continuing when he lived. (Hebrews 4:1-10) and could therefore not have been a 24 hour day. Therefore, thousands of years can be as one long continuing day to God. (Psalm 90:2, 4; 2 Peter 3:8)

Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept the modern theory of evolution of species based upon Darwin's theory of natural selection. They do not believe that life on Earth arose as a result of purely naturalistic processes, but instead hold that the first human, Adam, and indeed all things, were created directly by God.

Witnesses acknowledge the existence of microevolution, or progressive developments and adaptation within the limits of a 'kind' (a word used in the Genesis account). They say Noah took a limited number of ‘kinds’ aboard the ark, and that these diverged after the flood - for example, a 'big cat' 'kind' would have diverged into lions and tigers. They do not accept that one 'kind' may evolve to the extent it is no longer fertile with the original animal, and thus reject macroevolution or speciation. Further, they believe that all animals existing today are descendants of ones that survived Noah's flood.

As Witnesses believe that the chronology contained in the Bible is accurate, they date Adam’s creation as occurring 4026 Before Common Era and the flood as taking place in 2370 Before Common Era.

[edit] Religious Symbols

The group categorically rejects the use of images or icons in worship as they believe this violates Biblical prohibitions against idolatry. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that an idol is any image or symbol that is an object of intense devotion, veneration, or worship; whereas, other Christian denominations would disagree.

Regarding the cross as a religious symbol, Jehovah's Witnesses cite three additional reasons why Christians should not use it as a symbol for Christianity.

1 - They consider that the instrument of Christ's suffering and death should not be viewed with reverence, even as most people would not love or venerate a knife or a revolver that had been used to murder a loved one.

2 - They believe that Christ was executed on a stake, rather than a cross. (see section on New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures Characteristics)

3 - They believe that the cross was introduced into early Christianity by the integration of customs of pagan converts, citing uses of the cross in ancient pagan religions such as those of Egypt and Babylon.

[edit] Eschatology: the Condition of the Dead and Judgment Day

Christ's presence (Greek: parousia) is considered to be his invisible rule from heaven and is believed to have begun in 1914. Witnesses believe that Jesus' prophecy recorded in Matthew 24 have been being fulfilled since that time. They identify the same period with the 'last days' referred to by the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. It is taught that starting with World War I in 1914 (which actually began several months before the prophesied October fulfilment), as well as increases in other conflicts and natural disasters since then are proof that world conditions have worsened since the alleged expulsion of Satan from heaven in 1914.

The group teaches that the dead are unconscious, citing Ecclesiastes 9:5, "the dead know not any thing." They view death as the end of the existence of a "soul" or person. Right from their movement's inception, they have rejected the concept of a literal hell fire as repugnant and incompatible with God's qualities, and interpret the references to fire in connection with the fire that destroyed garbage outside Jerusalem, ie., a synonym of destruction, not punishment. Their doctrine has no equivalent of the Catholic concept of purgatory.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in an immortal soul that is separate from the body, but rather understand the Hebrew word nephesh and the Greek word psyche - both often translated as soul - to mean the person as one indivisible whole. Similarly, they make a sharp distinction between the soul and the spirit (Hebrew: ruach, Greek: pneuma), considering the latter to be the impersonal life-force in every human, sustained by breathing.

This has clear consequences for their beliefs about the afterlife. They believe that people who die merely cease to exist, except in God's memory. They therefore consider the resurrection to be a re-creation of the person.

A seemingly distinctive feature of Jehovah's Witnesses' doctrine is their belief that the earth will continue to exist and be inhabited forever. The word "seemingly" is used because most people do not realize that this belief is also taught by some other Protestant denominations and by the Roman Catholic church (with some slight variations). In their view, God's intention is for faithful humans to eventually live forever in a state of robust and perfect physical health on earth, which will have been restored to a state of splendor similar to the Garden of Eden. They believe that literally 144,000 faithful Christians will be taken to heaven to be Governors with Christ for 1,000 years. - Revelation 14:1-3; Revelation 20:6.

The Devil will be sealed for 1,000 years in the 'Pit' and the Just shall learn of God's ways along side those humans whom God judges deemable to be resurrected to a new life in Paradise. After the 1,000 year period, all humans living within this paradise shall achieve perfection as was intended from the start, and the Devil shall be released for one last attempt to tempt those perfect humans on Earth with the temptations that once lured them when they were imperfect.

The group teaches that all other human beings, except for those deemed by God to be incorrigibly wicked, will be restored to life (resurrected) in the thousand-year period directly after Armageddon, known as Judgement Day. During Judgement Day, the dead will be resurrected, "righteous and unrighteousness" (Acts 24:14), and that people will have the opportunity to learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9, 10). God will provide a new communication to humankind to augment the Bible, and gradually restore all humans to a state of physical perfection. At the end of judgment day, there will be a final test when Satan the Devil will be let out of his prison (Rev. 20:3). Those rebelling against God at that time, or even earlier during judgment day, will be destroyed, along with the Devil (Revelation 20:7-10). Those who fall to their old ways shall be eternally eliminated, given the 'second and final death from which there is not escape', the Devil shall be eliminated for good at the hands of Jehovah and the just, good, and perfect humans shall inherit everlasting life on Paradise Earth to worship Jehovah and to learn fully of His Purposes for them as 'new Scrolls shall be opened' and many new things shall be learned.

[edit] Moral Standards

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible strictly forbid all sexual relations outside of marriage and they oppose all homosexual activities. (See Homosexuality and Christianity) Only when one's spouse has committed adultery can one of Jehovah's Witnesses divorce and remarry. Other circumstances where divorce is allowed but remarriage is not an option include such situations as a violent marriage. They are against polygamy in any case. In countries where polygamy is common, men are required to separate from all wives but their first before being eligible for baptism.

Moderate use of alcohol is viewed as acceptable, but drunkenness is forbidden, along with all recreational use of drugs, including tobacco.

All forms of gambling are prohibited.

Witnesses view dating, or courtship, not simply as a recreational activity, but as a means of getting to know a prospective marriage partner. Courtship is therefore not taken lightly. Courting couples are encouraged to avoid potentially compromising situations that could lead to fornication.

Parties and other festivities are usually supervised by elders (overseers of the congregation), ministerial servants (assistants of elders), or any other experienced and/or well-respected congregational member.

Members are expected to dress modestly.

A major focus of Witness publications and meetings is the development of Christlike personality traits. Physical or verbal aggression and the use of threats or obscenities are strongly discouraged.

Strict honesty is expected in all aspects of life. They are strictly expected to obey the government, as long as it is not against their beliefs. Witnesses are expected to pay taxes conscientiously, avoid lying and stealing, even in relatively minor matters and give their employers an honest day's work.

[edit] Blood

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood

Based on their understanding of the Bible admonition to "keep abstaining from blood" (Acts 15:28, 29), Jehovah's Witnesses refrain from accepting any blood transfusion or whole blood products. The command to abstain from blood was the results of the apostles of the Jerusalem congregation considering a question of controversy and handing down a decision led by Holy Spirit. It is therefore considered binding for all Christians. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the successor to that body is the Governing Body who heads the Jehovah's Witness religion, and therefore, their decisions are equally binding. Therefore, when questions come up as to how to interpret "abstinence from blood", they similarly consider the matter, and issue a decision.

In addition to the scriptures in Acts, Jehovah's Witnesses take into consideration other parts of the Bible in formulating their view of blood. First, they believe that, due to the sacredness of blood as the symbol of life, the proper use of blood is to be "poured out" and not stored for some other purpose. Also, they note that the command to not eat blood was given during Noah's time, and therefore not purely a Jewish dietary law, which Jehovah's Witnesses consider to no longer be binding upon Christians.(Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10)

Therefore, Jehovah's Witnesses consider blood transfusion to be both a misuse of blood, as well as violating an explicit admonition to not "eat" or consume blood in any fashion. A common illustration that is used is if a physician tells a patient to "abstain from alcohol" it would not follow that the patient can inject it into his bloodstream. Therefore, abstinence from blood is similarly believe to include transfusion.

See also Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues

[edit] Development of Doctrine

The official dogma and policies of most religious organizations, the Catholic Church and many Protestant groups included, have developed and been modified over time. Similarly, Witness teachings and practices have evolved over the past century to reach their present form. This has generated considerable controversy among critics, who maintain that Jehovah's Witnesses have made many significant changes to their teachings over the past century.

Since Jehovah's Witnesses' doctrines have been openly published for over 120 years in The Watchtower magazine, all changes in teaching are a matter of record. Rather than concealing these doctrinal developments, the organization often presents them in a positive light, as evidence of the fact that God is blessing their efforts to understand the Bible better. A Bible verse frequently quoted in this context is Proverbs 4:18: "The path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established."

The book Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, published by the group in 1993, discusses the history of their religion including changes in doctrinal issues, acknowledging that doctrinal changes have been necessary and outlining many of the former beliefs and expectations held by the group. It states (page 709) that their understanding of the Bible gets progressively clearer at the proper time and that because of human error or misguided zeal, it has been necessary for them to adjust their viewpoint from time to time. It also includes photographic material showing that Witnesses at the beginning of the century celebrated Christmas and accepted the use of the cross as a symbol of Christianity. Additionally, The Watchtower of 15 May 1995 listed over 20 doctrinal changes that had been made over the years.

It should be noted that some of these changes in doctrine have led to the formation of several splinter groups.

[edit] Progressive Development of Witness Teachings - A Timeline

Doctrines in place since the movement's inception (1870s):

• Inerrancy of the Bible
• God's name is Jehovah
• Rejection of the Trinity doctrine
• Jesus a created being
• Holy spirit not a person
• Soul not immortal
• No hellfire
• Ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ; belief in Jesus necessary for salvation
• Spiritism rejected
• Fornication, adultery, homosexual activity viewed as sinful
• Clergy-laity distinction viewed as unscriptural

Changes in viewpoint that took place up to 1939:

• 1921 - Vaccines banned.
• 1927 - "Faithful and Discreet Slave" is identified as a group of Christians and not an individual
• 1927 - Celebration of Christmas and birthdays banned
• 1928 - Great pyramid of Giza has nothing to do with God's purpose
• 1929 - "Superior authorities" of Romans 13:1 identified as Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
• 1930
  • All of Russell's dates were changed, the majority to commence in, rather than be completed by 1914
  • Moved beginnning of Christ's Second Coming from 1874 to 1914
  • Moved Christ's enthronement as King from 1878 to 1914
  • Moved the beginning of the resurrection of the "Bride of Christ" from 1878 to 1918
  • Moved start of last days from 1799 to 1914
  • Moved Armageddon from 1914 to within a generation, with the understanding of generation changing several times

• 1931 - Adoption of the name 'Jehovah's Witnesses'
• 1932 - Application of restoration prophecies to Christian congregation, rather than to the literal Jews
• 1935 - Identity of "great crowd" of Revelation 7
• 1936 - Use of the cross as a religious symbol banned
• 1938 - Communion bread and wine identified as symbols of the body and blood of the 144,000
• 1939 - Complete neutrality in worldly affairs

Significant Changes in Doctrine 1940—present:

• 1944 - Disfellowshipping (although this had already been practised in some form earlier)
• 1945 - Blood transfusion forbidden (clarification of existing stance on blood and specific application to transfusions)
• 1952 - Vaccines allowed. It was clarified that the Witnesses' position on blood does not apply to vaccination (some Witnesses were already accepting vaccinations at least as early as World War II) (Watchtower 15 December 1952)
• 1954 - Jesus no longer to be worshiped (though the Watch Tower legal charter still states that the organisation exists to promote the worship of Jehovah and Jesus)
• 1956 - Communion bread and wine identified as symbols of Christ's body and blood (return to pre-1938 position)
• 1962 - "Superior authorities" of Romans 13:1 identified as earthly governments (Watchtower 15 November 1962)
• 1967 - Organ transplants classed as "cannibalism" (Watchtower 15 November 1967)
• 1973 - Tobacco use viewed as incompatible with membership (it had been strongly discouraged throughout the prior history of the organization) (Watchtower 1 June 1973)
• 1980 - Organ transplants acceptable
• 1995 - Meaning of the term "this generation" referred to at Matthew 24:34 restored to a class of people displaying certain characteristics. (Matthew 17:17) (Watchtower 1 November 1995)
• 1995 - Time of fulfillment of Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats (Watchtower 1 February 1995)
• 2000 - Fractions derived from blood are deemed permissable and left up to conscience of individual Witness

[edit] Significance of Doctrinal Changes

If there is little doubt that Jehovah's Witnesses have changed some of their doctrines over the past century, there is considerable controversy in some quarters over the significance of the changes.

Critics feel that the nature and extent of the changes is such that the organization's claim to be uniquely guided by God's spirit is disproved and seriously problematic in view of the degree to which adherents are urged to rely on the Watchtower organization's guidance in the interpretation of Scripture. Proponents feel that such changes are clarifications over previously diluted doctrines instilled from centuries of what is deemed by them as apostasized Christianity and appreciate a supposedly progressive organization that seeks further enlightenment, despite virtually all of the changes having been from their own relatively unique doctrines and not those generally accepted by 'apostate Christendom'.

Watch Tower literature recognizes that doctrinal changes have taken place though it states: "Matters on which corrections of viewpoint have been needed have been relatively minor when compared with the vital Bible truths that they have discerned and publicized." (Reasoning from the Scriptures, page 136-137)

Thus, Jehovah's Witnesses' publications, while recognizing that adjustments have been made, emphasize that the core elements of their belief are constant. They maintain that their understanding of the Bible gets clearer at the proper time, just as the understanding of doctrine among Christ's first-century disciples was also clarified gradually. Witnesses see these changes as evidence of divine blessing on their efforts to understand the Bible.

In general, Witnesses take a positive view of such adjustments. A new explanation of some verse or topic in The Watchtower magazine is likely to generate enthusiasm and interest, as well as considerable discussion. It is expected that further study of the Bible will result in an improved understanding, which of course necessitates alteration in viewpoints.

Some alleged 'doctrinal changes' are simply differences in the interpretation of a particular verse, with few practical implications. For instance, in 1962, The Watchtower identified the 'superior authorities' of Romans 13:1 as the worldly governments, rather than God and Christ as had previously been stated. However, this had little practical effect, as the Witnesses both before and after this change always considered it necessary to obey the laws of the land, unless these conflict with God's laws. Similarly, in 1988, The Watchtower reevaluated the Bible texts referring to Sodom and Gomorrah, and concluded that the inhabitants of those cities would not be resurrected. This position differed from what had previously been published. Most Witnesses would not however feel that adjustments of this type make a substantial difference to their lives or to their relationship with God.

Other 'doctrinal changes' are really clarifications, in response to developments in the world in general. For instance, as early as 1927, The Watchtower discussed the sacredness of blood. It did not discuss blood transfusions specifically, as the practice was still in its infancy. As transfusions became commonplace during World War II, the organization confirmed that its stance on the sacred nature of blood applied to transfusions too.

[edit] Importance of Doctrine

Most Jehovah's Witnesses are well-grounded in the doctrines of their religion and are able to explain what they believe and what they consider to be the basis for these beliefs in the Bible. Before baptism, they go through a period of weekly study of doctrinal matters, and doctrines are discussed frequently at their congregational meetings.

[edit] Jehovah's Witnesses and other religions

Like many conservative Christian denominations, Witnesses believe that there is only one true religion - that taught by Jesus Christ in the Bible, namely true Christianity (Ephesians 4:4-6). However, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that their own faith is the only true restoration of that first-century Christianity. They believe that the existence of absolute truth precludes the possibility that different religions, confessing a multitude of conflicting doctrines, are equally acceptable. Because they deem it inappropriate to engage in forms of organizational cooperation with "unbelievers", they do not participate in interfaith initiatives or the ecumenical movement (1 Corinthians 15:33).

While considering the teachings of other religious organizations to be in error, Jehovah's Witnesses recognize that there are sincere individuals in all religious traditions and respect the right of each person to choose his religion. However, they believe that people need to take action joining them in order to survive at God's imminent battle of Armageddon (2 Peter 3:11-13). This is one reason why door-to-door preaching is considered to be an urgent life-saving work.

Marrying of "unbelievers" (i.e. non-Jehovah's Witnesses) is strongly discouraged due to the scriptural exhortation to "marry only in the Lord" but is not a disfellowshipping offense. However, in general "mixed homes" occur when one of the spouses converts to another faith (whether a non-Jehovah's Witness becomes a Jehovah's Witness or vice versa). Children are encouraged to respect both their parents, even if one does not share their convictions. In such cases, the parent who is a Jehovah's Witnesses is expected to teach children the tenets of the Jehovah's Witness faith.

[edit] Reference & Research Materials

Past editions of The Watchtower and Awake! are available to Witnesses in book form (bound volumes). These for the most part remain unchanged (however there have been exceptions) and are therefore generally a historical resource on the precise details of what the Witnesses taught at the time of their publication and has a large collection of articles on various subjects. Additionally, a host of books have been published by them over the decades. To find any given subject, a "Watch Tower Publications Index" of publications from 1930 to the present is available. Their meeting places Kingdom Halls have a library of these publications. Much of the material has been published as a CD ROM known as the Watchtower Library (which is available only to their members, whose license agreement explicitly forbids its transfer to non-Witnesses, and whose material is considered "confidential" despite the fact that most of its contents have been made publicly available to non-Witnesses in printed form; ex-members have been sued for continuing to access the CD, with demands that all copies of it be destroyed [8]).

[edit] Beliefs and Practices

The following reflects the current beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses. As such, it reflects the point of view of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Main article: Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses

Main article: Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses

[edit] Bible

The entire Protestant canon of scripture as the inspired, inerrant word of God. A literal interpretation of the Bible is favored, though Bible writers and characters employed symbology, parable, figures of speech, and poeticism^[42] The book of Genesis is taken literally, and evolution is rejected.^[43] While Genesis is taken literally, they do not believe the creation days would be limited to 24 hour periods or that earth didn't exist before the first "day" of creation^[44] The Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures tell the history of the people of Israel as the beneficiaries of God's covenant and recipients of His Law, and prophesy the coming of Jesus Christ^[45] The New Testament or Greek Scriptures is a historical account of Jesus and the early Christians. The New Testament particularly is directed to those who hope for a resurrection in heaven, or 144,000.^[46] The principles in the Bible are beneficial to everyone.

[edit] Basis for Beliefs

Principle is the doctrine of sola scriptura, that is, only the Bible should be used for deciding issues of doctrine. The interpretation and application of scripture is the responsibility of the Governing Body. These ones represent the Faithful and Discreet Slave and are being directed by Jesus Christ.^[47] All members are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body.^[48]

[edit] The Nature of God

God is the creator and supreme being. Jehovah God created Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit is God's means of acting, not the uncreated third person of the Trinity^[49] Using God's name, Jehovah, is a requirement for true worship.^[50]

[edit] The Nature of Christ

Jesus is a created being and God's first creation. Jesus was used by God to create every other creation.^[51] Jesus was known as the Archangel Michael in his pre-human existence; his birth on earth was accomplished when God transferred Michael's life force from heaven to the womb of the virgin Mary.^[52] While on earth, Jesus was executed for mankind's sins upon a single beamed torture stake. The cross is rejected as a symbol for Christ's death, instead seen as a later pagan addition.^[53] Jesus acts as the mediator of the "new covenant" for those going to heaven (the 144,000)^[54] Mary was not ever-virgin, but rather bore more children after Jesus^[55]

[edit] Worship

After the death of the last apostle, the Church gradually diverged, in a "Great Apostasy", from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. Influenced by Restorationism, their faith is a continually improving, imperfect restoration of first-century Christianity. The true understanding of the scriptures began to be reassembled by Charles Taze Russell and his associates when they formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and had until then been imperfectly represented since the "Great Apostasy" by a number of historical Christian groups.^[56] Jehovah's Witnesses are the only true religion.^[57]

Jehovah's Witnesses are organized into congregations, and each congregation has weekly meetings. Men are selected by representatives of the Governing Body to teach and direct the preaching work. Women cannot be teachers in the congregation; though female Witnesses do participate in meeting programs.^[58] Prayer is featured at these meetings. As well, prayers are given at meals. Private prayers are given as desired. For a prayer to be acceptable, they must be made to the Father Jehovah in the name of the Son.^[59] The use of idols is prohibited. They reject the veneration of Mary, the saints, or the cross.^[60]

Jehovah's Witnesses typically have three gatherings each week, which are made up of five meetings, totaling approximately five hours. Meetings are held in local Kingdom Halls and private homes. There are three conventions held annually in facilities owned or maintained by the Watchtower Society or in rented stadiums or auditoriums. Throughout the week, there are also meetings to organize the preaching work where members meet either in homes or Kingdom Halls to organize and pray prior to engaging in evangelism. On Saturday mornings, publishers are usually expected to engage in preaching activity. Watchtower and Awake! magazines are featured, though from time to time, various campaigns are arranged with specific literature offers.^[61] Each month, a report is submitted to the congregation elders indicating the number of hours in the ministry, along with other details, and is required to be officially counted as a Jehovah's Witness. On a daily basis, Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to read the Bible and read publications such as Examining the Scriptures Daily, a booklet with a biblical scripture and commentary.

The most important event is the celebration of the Lord's Supper held once a year after sundown on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar. Only those claiming to be of the "remnant", those who expect to be resurrected in heaven, partake of the unleavened bread and wine. Others simply observe the proceedings without partaking.^[62] They do not believe in transubstantiation and consubstantiation (of the Eucharist)^[63]

To become a Jehovah's Witness, one must submit to a catechism, or series of questions to determine eligibility for baptism. Baptisms are normally performed at conventions.

[edit] Eschatology

Main article: Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses

The "seven times" of Daniel 4:10-17 are interpreted as a 2,520 year period from 607 BC to 1914 AD, referred to as the "Gentile Times"^[64] 607 BC marked the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem based on the belief that 70 years transpired from destruction of Jerusalem to return of captives from Babylon.^[65] In 1914, Jesus' invisible enthronement as King in Heaven was followed by an inspection period of all religions. In 1918 Jesus resurrected those of the 144,000 (the "anointed") who had already died to heavenly life; since 1918, any "anointed" are individually resurrected to heavenly life at the time of their death^[66] In 1919, Jehovah's Witnesses were chosen by Jesus as the only true Christian organization.^[67]

The "last days" began in 1914.^[68] Soon, all other religions will shortly be destroyed by the United Nations.^[69] After this, Jehovah's Witnesses will then come under attack. Armageddon immediately follows.^[70] All governments, which are under Satan's control, will then be destroyed.^[71]

[edit] Salvation

All humanity is in a sinful state (see: Sin).^[72] Release from this is possible through the death of Jesus. His death atoned for the sins of humankind.^[73] To be saved, one needs faith. It is only by the undeserved kindness (grace) of God which through which one can attain this; works are evidence of faith and cannot gain salvation.^[74] There are two destinations for those saved by God. The number of Christians going to heaven is limited to precisely 144,000 (the "anointed") where they will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over Earth.^[75] Everyone else who qualifies for salvation living today will survive the coming battle of Armageddon and have the prospect of living forever in an earthly paradise.^[76] Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the only scriptural hope of surviving Armageddon comes through adherence to their peculiar biblical interpretations. Those who do not, face destruction at Armageddon.^{[77][78][79][80][81]} The fate of some, such as small children or the mentally ill, remains indeterminate.^[82] After Armageddon, an unknown number of dead people will be resurrected, with the prospect of living forever, but those who have already been judged by God will not, such as any killed at Armageddon.^[83] Christ will rule for a thousand years, during which time the Earth will be transformed into a paradise, while Satan is abyssed and unable to influence mankind. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released, and the final judgment will take place during which Satan and all those corrupted by him will be destroyed forever, with evil never occurring again.^[84]

[edit] Discipline

Formal discipline is administered by congregation leaders. In the event an accusation is made concerning a baptized member, if there is sufficient evidence, a tribunal or judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, administer help and possibly apply sanctions. There are three possible formal sanctions that are applied.

[edit] Marking

Someone who chooses a course that is deemed unscriptural, but for which the standard of disfellowshipping would not apply, would be marked. Though such a one would not be shunned, social interaction outside of formal worship settings would generally be restricted. The intent of this cutting off of social fellowship is to shame that person into a course considered proper. Generally, a talk would be given at the Service Meeting outlining the shameful course, but without explicitly naming the wrongdoer.^[85]

[edit] Reproof

This involves sins which are more serious than those for which one would be "marked." Reproof is given "before all onlookers." If the sin is private, the reproof would be private. If the sin is known by a small number, they would be invited by the elders, then reproof would be given before both the sinner and those with knowledge of the sin. If the sin is known generally by the entire congregation an announcement of public reproof would be given. A talk is generally given in the case of public reproof, where the wrong course is outlined, but without explicitly naming the people involved.^[86]

Reproof is usually linked with a probationary period.^[87] Restrictions may include not sharing in meeting parts, not commenting at meeting parts and not praying for a group. The length of the probation period is dependent upon the elders. One cannot pioneer or auxiliary pioneer for at least one year after reproof is given.^[88]

[edit] Disfellowshipping

The most severe discipline administered is disfellowshipping, or excommunication. This is done at the determination of the judicial committee. The standard put in place to determine if one should be disfellowshipped is the judgment of repentance. To judge repentance, members of the judicial committee ask questions and review actions by the member being considered. The committee must be convinced without a doubt that the repentance is genuine.^[89] Baptized members who express disagreement on any doctrine can potentially be disfellowshipped for apostasy.^[48]

After one is disfellowshipped, all baptized members would cut off all association with that person. They would not speak to such a one, or acknowledge him or her.^[90] There are two exceptions. First if a member was forced to have commercial dealings with a member who is disfellowshipped, these would continue as before. Second, if the disfellowshipped member is living with family members who are baptized, they could continue to associate with this one, but not to speak about matters pertaining to the religion. The extent to which disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives living in the same household would be included in family life would be left to the discretion of the family.^[91] Family members living outside the home who are disfellowshipped, would have minimal contact.^[92][93] In the case of doctrinal disagreements, and depending upon the nature and publicity of their disagreement, they may be labelled as an "apostate."^[94]

[edit] Construction and Humanitarian Efforts

Jehovah's Witnesses are known in many lands for their building work. International and regional building teams frequently undertake "quick builds", construction of Kingdom Halls over the course of one or two weekends. Larger construction projects, including the building of regional Assembly Halls and Bethel offices, factories, residences, warehouses, and farm facilities, are also carried out almost entirely by volunteer members.

Jehovah's Witnesses are also involved in relief work in disaster stricken areas. One notable example is the relief efforts to both Hutu and Tutsi Witnesses during the genocide in Rwanda as well as to Congo refugees. This humanitarian aid was not given exclusively to Jehovah's Witnesses; others also benefited. For instance, the Witnesses distributed medicine and clothing to several primary schools and an orphanage near Goma.^[95]

[edit] Practices

[edit] Morality

Their view of sexual behavior reflects conservative Christian views. Abortion is considered murder.^[96] Homosexuality and premarital sex are considered sins.^[97] Modesty is heavily encouraged in dress and grooming. During worship, standards of dress are more formal, varying by country and regional custom. In the U.S., Europe, and most of Asia, this typically consists of formal western business attire. Entertainment with sexuality, materialism, spiritualism or violence is strongly discouraged. Though they are nonconformists in some ways, they seek not to appear to be "counter-cultural." They avoid appearing unkempt or unprofessional according to local norms. Therefore, in certain areas, things such as beards, long hair or earrings for men, alongwith any dress or grooming that is deemed to be rebellious or immodest is discouraged in everyday settings. A person violating these standards would risk bringing reproach upon the congregation.

[edit] Nationalism and Holidays

Among Jehovah's Witnesses, there is an avoidance of practices considered to have nationalistic or false religious origins. Examples include not singing the national anthem or not saying "bless you" when someone sneezes. Distinctive titles in address (such as Father, Pastor, Reverend, etc) are not employed. Witnesses address one another as "Brother" or "Sister", often followed by the first or last name of the individual. Despite varied positions of service, these are not used as a title to address the person by, such as in the case, "Elder John".

They avoid celebrations of birthdays and other holidays. Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are also typically observed. Common religious or national holidays such as Thanksgiving, Birthdays and Christmas are not celebrated.^[98][99]

[edit] Family Life

The family structure is patriarchal. Husbands are considered the final authority of family decisions. Wives should be submissive to their husbands and husbands are to have deep respect and love for their wives.^[100]

[edit] Neutrality

Neutrality is required, not becoming involved in secular politics or taking part in an election.^[101] As well, members refuse any military service; cf. the Peace churches and Quakers)

[edit] Death

The soul is believed to be mortal, and that death is a state of non-existence (based on Ezekiel 18:4)^[102] Hell (hades or sheol) is not a place of fiery torment, but rather the common grave of mankind, a place of unconsciousness.^[103] Those not saved are annihilated (cease of existence) as opposed to damned (eternal existence in hell).^[104]

[edit] Blood

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood

Main articles: Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues and Jehovah's Witnesses

Whole blood transfusions are rejected.^[105] This is based on their understanding of the biblical admonition to "keep abstaining from blood" based on Acts 15:28, 29 (NWT). Blood is not to be stored for later transfusion. As well, the donating of blood is considered improper. According to the individual's conscience of the particular individual, they may accept derivatives of blood, such as normovolemic hemodilution, a treatment that processes the individual's own blood in a closed loop that does not interrupt the flow of blood, delivering it immediately back into the person's body. [9] Also left to conscience are procedures where a "quantity of blood is withdrawn in order to tag it or to mix it with medicine, whereupon it is put back into the patient."^[106]

Many members carry carefully prepared durable power of attorney documents indicating that they will accept all fractions derived from blood. The wording of this option reads, "I accept all fractions derived from any primary component of blood." (2003 Guide to Our Three Health Care Documents, p. 11) The conscience of some Witnesses still does not permit the use of fractions derived from blood and these will use non-blood alternatives with varying degrees of success.

[edit] Notes and references

1. ^ “Salvation Belongs to Jehovah”, The Watchtower September 15, 2002, p. 21.
2. ^ "They Are No Part of the World" Worship the Only True God 2002, p. 159.
3. ^ Do All Things with a Good Conscience, The Watchtower December 1, 1977, p. 712.
4. ^ Jealous for the Pure Worship of Jehovah, The Watchtower September 15, 1995, p. 11.
5. ^ Be a Vessel for Honorable Use, The Watchtower March 15 1973, p. 182.
6. ^ Maintain a Balanced View of the Use of Alcohol, The Watchtower December 1, 2004, p. 18.
7. ^ How Can Blood Save Your Life? 1990 Web version available at http://watchtower.org/library/hb/.
8. ^ The Watchtower, April 15, 1909, p. 116-117
9. ^ The Watchtower December 1927, p.371
10. ^ The Watchtower July 1, 1945 p. 198-201
11. ^ The Watchtower January 15, 1961 p. 63-64.
12. ^ Awake! June 22, 1982, p.25.
13. ^ The Watchtower August 1, 1995, p.30.
14. ^ The Watchtower, June 15, 2000, p .29-31
15. ^ The Watchtower June 15, 2004.
16. ^ (2003). Transfusion-Alternative-Strategies Simple, Safe, Effective [Movie]. United States of America: Watchtower Bible & Tract Society.
17. ^ The Golden Age, 3 January 1923 p.214.
18. ^ Questions From Readers The Watchtower, 15 December 1952 p.764
19. ^ The Watchtower, November 15, 1967, page 702.
20. ^ Questions from Readers The Watchtower March 15, 1980, p. 31.
21. ^ The Choices, the Issues Awake! September 22, 2004, p. 6.
22. ^ Awake! September 8, 1987, page 28.
23. ^ The Watchtower December 15, 1994, p. 19
24. ^ Yoga - Just an Exercise or Something More? The Watchtower August 1, 2002, p. 20. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/8/1a/article_01.htm.
25. ^ Awake! November 8, 2000. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2000/11/8/article_01.htm.
26. ^ Giving That Pleases God The Watchtower June 1, 2003, p. 4.
27. ^ New World Translation Appendix 1D
28. ^ BAR 21.2 (March-April 1995),31 George W. Buchanan, “How God’s Name Was Pronounced”
29. ^ “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” The Watchtower Feburary 1, 1999 p. 30-31
30. ^ Make Public Declaration for Salvation The Watchtower, Decemeber 15, 1997, p. 16.
31. ^ New World Translation Appendix 1B
32. ^ Why God's Name Should Appear in the Whole Bible The Watchtower August 1, 1971, p. 454.
33. ^ Who Is God? The Watchtower May 15, 2002, p. 4.
34. ^ "The Dead Will Be Raised Up" The Watchtower August 1, 1998, p. 13.
35. ^ You Can Endure to the End The Watchtower October 1, 1999, p. 17.
36. ^ You Can Believe in a Paradise Earth The Watchtower November 15, 2003, p. 4.
37. ^ Firmly Uphold Godly Teaching The Watchtower, May 1 2000, p. 8.
38. ^ Stand Still and See the Salvation of Jehovah! The Watchtower June 1, 2003, p. 17.
39. ^ Keep On Preaching the Kingdom The Watchtower January 1, 1988, p. 25.
40. ^ Christians and the Millennial Hope The Watchtower April 15, 1981, p. 13.
41. ^ When God's Will Is Done on Earth, April 15, 2004, p. 4.
42. ^ A Book for All People (1997)
43. ^ Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (1998)
44. ^ Reconciling Science and Religion; Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2002/6/8/article_01.htm accessed on February 19, 2006
45. ^ "We Have Found the Messiah"!, The Watchtower October 1, 1992, p. 10.
46. ^ United In Worship of the Only True God; 1983, p. 111
47. ^ Christ Leads His Congregation, The Watchtower, March 15, 2002, p. 13-16.
48. ^ ^{a b} Questions From Readers, The Watchtower 1 April, 1986 pp. 30-31.
49. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, May 15, 2004, p. 29-31.
50. ^ Why True Worship Receives God's Blessing, The Watchtower April 15, 1996 p. 17.
51. ^ What Do the Scriptures Say About "the Divinity of Christ"?, The Watchtower January 15, 1992 p. 20-23.
52. ^ Jesus?The Ruler "Whose Origin Is From Early Times", The Watchtower, June 15, 1998, p. 22.
53. ^ The Cross—Symbol of Christianity?, The Watchtower, November 15, 1992, p.7.
54. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, August 15, 1989, p. 30.
55. ^ Jesus' Family-Who Were They? The Watchtower December 15, 2003, p. 3
56. ^ ‘The Faithful Slave’ Passes the Test!, The Watchtower March 1, 2004, p. 13-18.
57. ^ Reasoning from the Scriptures p. 203.
58. ^ The Bible's Viewpoint The 'Weaker Vessel'—An Insult to Women?, Awake! October 8, 1994, p. 19.
59. ^ Whose Prayers Are Answered?, The Watchtower, January 15, 1990, p. 4.
60. ^ Is Christendom Truly Christ's Domain? The Watchtower May 1, 1966, p. 277.
61. ^ “Do the Work of an Evangelizer” The Watchtower, March 15, 2004, p. 10-14
62. ^ Why Observe the Lord's Evening Meal?, The Watchtower, February 15, 2003, p. 12-15.
63. ^ The Memorial-Are You Entitled to Partake? The Watchtower February 15, 1952, p. 101.
64. ^ Be Thankful—Jehovah's Messianic Kingdom Rules, The Watchtower, October 15, 1990, p. 15-20.
65. ^ The "Cup" That All Nations Must Drink at God's Hand, The Watchtower, September 15, 1979 p. 21-24.
66. ^ Revelation--It's Grand Climax At Hand!, page 102
67. ^ Expanded Activities During Christ's Presence, The Watchtower May 1, 1993 p. 16, 17 paragraphs 4-8
68. ^ "In the Last Days" Since When?, The Watchtower October 1, 1980, p. 19.
69. ^ Revelation-Its Grand Climax at Hand! (1988), p. 257
70. ^ Revelation-Its Grand Climax at Hand! (1988), p. 259
71. ^ Flight to Safety Before the "Great Tribulation", The Watchtower June 1, 1996, p. 14-19.
72. ^ Jehovah Cares For You, The Watchtower October 15, 2002, p. 15.
73. ^ "Jesus Saves-How?", The Watchtower November 15, 2001. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/11/15/article_02.htm accessed January 26, 2006.
74. ^ Keep Your "Hope of Salvation" Bright!, The Watchtower, June 1, 2000, p. 12.
75. ^ "Have No Fear, Little Flock", The Watchtower, February 15, 1995 p. 18-22.
76. ^ A Great Crowd Rendering Sacred Service, The Watchtower February 1, 1995, p. 14-17.
77. ^ Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium , The Watchtower September 1, 1989 p. 19
78. ^ Dwellers Together in a Restored "Land", The Watchtower July 1, 1995 p. 21
79. ^ Millions Get Ready for Uninterrupted Life on Earth, The Watchtower October 1, 1983 p. 16
80. ^ Making All Mankind One Under Their Creator The Watchtower April 4, 1956 p. 207.
81. ^ How Can Man Be in God's Image?, The Watchtower April 1, 1994 p. 28
82. ^ Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness, The Watchtower August 15, 1998 p. 20
83. ^ "Death Is to Be Brought to Nothing", The Watchtower July 1, 1998, p. 19-24
84. ^ Crushing The Serpent's Head, Revelation - Its Grand Climax At Hand 1988, p. 292.
85. ^ w85 4/15 Question From Readers p.31
86. ^ Giving Reproof "Before All Onlookers" The Watchtower December 1, 1976.
87. ^ 'Reproofs Are the Way of Life' The Watchtower November 15, 1977 p. 691.
88. ^ Our Kingdom Ministry March 1983, p. 3.
89. ^ Watchtower 79 11/15 Questions from Readers
90. ^ The Watchtower April 15, 1988.
91. ^ "Thus, it would be left to members of the family to decide on the extent to which the disfellowshipped family member would be included when eating or engaging in other household activities. And yet, they would not want to give brothers with whom they associate the impression that everything is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred." Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped, p 4. Scan available at http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/KM8-2002.htm accessed January 27, 2006.
92. ^ "It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum." Disfellowshiping-How to View It, The Watchtower September 15, 1981, p. 26.
93. ^ Discipline That Can Yield Peaceable Fruit, The Watchtower April 15, 1988, p. 26.
94. ^ Letter to Circuit and District Overseers, From the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society 1980. (Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses, M. J. Penton, p. 349) Scan available at page 1 page 2 accessed January 27, 2006.
95. ^ "Since 1994, Jehovah's Witnesses in Europe alone have sent more than 190 tons of food, clothing, medicine, and other relief supplies to the Great Lakes region of Africa." - "Christianity in Action: Amid Turmoil", The Watchtower, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (January 15). Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1998/1/15/, accessed December 4, 2005.
96. ^ Why Living a Godly Life Brings Happiness, Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life, 1995, p. 118.
97. ^ Young People Ask... What's Wrong With Premarital Sex?, Awake! July 22, 2004, p. 12.
98. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, November 15, 1960, p. 704.
99. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, October 15, 1998, p. 30.
100. ^ The Bible's Viewpoint What Does It Mean to Be the Head of the House?, Awake! 2004b, July 8, 2004, p. 26.
101. ^ "Can You Make the World a Better Place?", The Watchtower October 15, 2001. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/10/15/article_01.htm accessed January 26, 2006.
102. ^ "Is There LIFE After Death?", The Watchtower July 15, 2001. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/7/15/article_01.htm accessed January 26, 2006.
103. ^ Hell-Eternal Torture or Common Grave? The Watchtower, April 15, 1993, p. 6.
104. ^ Comfort for Those Who Mourn, Awake! May 8, 2002, p. 19.
105. ^ Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (2004b). Membership and Publishing Statistics. Authorized Site of the Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses. Retrieved on December 4, 2005. How Can Blood Save Your Life?. Accessed 4 December 2005.
106. ^ The Watchtower, October 15 2000, p. 31