User:Truth.ceeker/Jehovah's Witnesses

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Contents 1 Jehovah's Witnesses 2 History 2.1 1870-1916 2.2 1916-1942 2.3 1942-1975 2.4 1976-present 3 Demographics 4 Organizational structure 5 Beliefs and practices 5.1 Overview 6 List of Watchtower Bible and Tract Society Publications 7 Bible translations 8 Books 8.1 Reference works 8.2 For use in preaching 8.3 Bible commentaries 8.4 History of Jehovah's Witnesses 8.5 Books for members 8.6 Books for children 8.7 Books for families 8.8 Books on science 8.9 Legal Guidance for Members 8.10 Other out-of-print books 9 Magazines 10 Newsletter 11 Brochures 12 Tracts 13 Unsorted 13.1 Politics 13.2 Blood 13.3 Congregational discipline 13.4 Critical views 13.5 Child Abuse - Child Sexual Abuse and Jehovah's Witnesses in The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society 14 Cases of abuse 15 References 16 See also 17 External links 18 Controversy 19 Persecution 20 See also 21 References 22 Further reading 22.1 Watch Tower resources 22.2 Other sources

[edit] Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses are members of an international religion who believe they are the restoration of first-century Christianity. Their preaching, evangelistic, and publishing activities are extensive, with congregations in most parts of the world. Their most widely-known publications are the religious magazines, The Watchtower and Awake!. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, they are directed by a Governing Body. Each local congregation is overseen by a group of elders, who are appointed by representatives of the Governing Body. Official membership of the organization currently stands at over 6.6 million.^[1]

Jehovah's Witnesses have previously been focused with the presence of Jesus Christ in the year 1914, as was taught by their doctrine and publications. The initial date was thought to have been 1874 but with New Light and understanding ^[2], their belief is that Jehovah God has allowed the Faithful and Discreet Slave to better understand that the date should have been 1914. According to the Book - 'Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry', Jesus was taught to have arrived in 1914 to claim His rightful place alongside God in establishing His Heavenly Kingdom. This theme was relevant to their teaching and is found in almost all of their publications until 1995 when the teaching was abandoned. ^[3]

Initially holding many views similar to other 19th century Adventist groups, such as the Millerites, they have since developed a unique eschatology. The Bible is considered by Jehovah's Witnesses to be the inspired word of God. The New World Translation, produced by the group in 1950, is regarded by the group to be the most accurate translation of the Bible to date. They believe that the use of God's name (often rendered Jehovah in English) is vital for acceptable worship. They also believe that Jesus' death was necessary to atone for the sins of humanity, opening the way for everlasting life. They believe that the wicked will be destroyed at Armageddon, and who survive will form a new society and live in an earthly paradise forever. Jehovah's Witnesses differ from mainstream Christianity in rejecting such doctrines as the Trinity, the existence of Hell, and the immortality of the soul.

Though not strictly self-identifying as pacifists, Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to become involved in social, religious, or political conflicts. They are well known for disallowing blood transfusions. This has garnered criticism from medical and legal sources. Their search for bloodless treatment options has added incentive for the development of many bloodless surgery techniques and the codification of patient rights.

Members who are judged to be unrepentant sinners, for such actions as committing adultery, stealing or continued drunkenness, are excommunicated, or "disfellowshipped", from the congregation. The Witnesses view the procedure as a Biblical practice of keeping a congregation in clean moral standing before God. Members subsequently discontinue their association with disfellowshipped ones (except when it comes to business or family matters) until they are deemed repentant and seek re-admittance. Critics have labeled this practice as cruel and arbitrary.

[edit] History

Main articles: History of Jehovah's Witnesses, Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses, and Jehovah's Witnesses and governments

Jehovah's Witnesses trace their origin to the religious movement known as Bible Students, which was founded in the late 1870s by Charles Taze Russell. After a schism in 1917, those who remained supportive of the Watch Tower Society adopted the name Jehovah's Witnesses in 1931 under the leadership of Joseph Franklin Rutherford.

[edit] 1870-1916

In the early 1870s, Russell organized a Bible study group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they would study the bible topic by topic. Russell came to disavow the mainstream Christian concepts of the trinity and Hell. An interest in Bible prophecy was sparked in part by Jonas Wendell. Russell became convinced of the need to actively spread the gospel. In 1876, Russell met Nelson H. Barbour and subsequently adopted Barbour's eschatology. Barbour had predicted a visible return of Christ for 1873^[4], and when that failed to occur, he revised the prediction to 1874.^[5] Soon after the second disappointment, Barbour's group decided Christ had returned to the earth in 1874, but invisibly.^[6] They differed from most Second Adventists by teaching that all of humankind descended from Adam would be given a chance to live in a paradise Earth.^[7] The year 1914 was seen as the final end, marking a forty-year period from 1874.^[8]

In July 1879, Russell broke with Barbour over the concept of substitutionary atonement and he soon began publishing his own magazine, Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence (now known as The Watchtower).^[9] After the break, Russell retained the bulk of Barbour's eschatological views. He was known as "Pastor Russell", and in 1881 formed the legal entity which developed into the non-profit organization: The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (currently headquartered in New York City). In 1884, it was incorporated with Russell as president. He authored the six-volume series, Studies in the Scriptures.^[10] In 1914, Russell founded the International Bible Students Association in the United Kingdom.

[edit] 1916-1942

Following Russell's death on October 31, 1916, an editorial committee of five was set up to supervise the writing of the Watch Tower magazine, as set forth in Russell's Last Will and Testament.^[11] On January 6, 1917, Joseph Franklin Rutherford (also known as "Judge Rutherford") was elected second President of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. New by-laws were passed at the same business meeting that strengthened the President's authority.^[12] Initially, the board of directors for the Watch Tower Society accepted this change, but four of the board members withdrew their support.^[13] The June 20, 1917 meeting of the full board of directors tabled, for one month, a proposal to return control of the Society to the board,^[14] but Rutherford prevented their attempt. Matters came to a head on July 17, 1917 when the book The Finished Mystery was published.^[15] Rutherford announced that he was dismissing the four directors and replacing them with new members.^[16] Dissension and schisms ensued in congregations worldwide as a result of these events, and of the consequences of new predictions made for the years 1918^[17], 1920^[18] and 1925.^[19][20].

The Watchtower Society's opposition to the draft during World War I resulted in legal action by the United States federal government. Rutherford and the new board of directors were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for violating the Espionage Act. They were released on bail, and in March 1919, the judgment against them was reversed, and the charges dropped.^[21]

An emphasis on preaching house-to-house began in 1922.^[22] By 1928, attendance at their yearly Memorial dropped nearly 75% from 1922, due to the previous power struggle, the failed predictions for the year 1925,^[23] and the evolving doctrinal changes which alienated those who sided with Russell's views.

From 1925 to 1933, their eschatological beliefs underwent radical changes.^[24] In 1931, the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" was adopted. By 1933, 1914 was seen as the beginning of Christ's presence, his enthronement as king, and the start of the last days instead of being considered the terminal date in their chronology.^[25]

Jehovah's Witnesses were heavily persecuted by the Nazi government during World War II.^[26] They "had the option to avoid persecution and personal harm by submitting to state authority and serving in the armed forces. Since such submission would violate their religious beliefs, the vast majority of Jehovah's Witnesses refused to abandon their faith even in the face of persecution, torture in concentration camps, or death."^[27]

Under Rutherford, membership grew from about 44,000 in 1928 to about 115,000 at the time of his death in 1942.

[edit] 1942-1975

Nathan Homer Knorr succeeded Rutherford as president of the Watch Tower Society. Known as an efficient administrator, Knorr founded the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead to train missionaries, as well as the Theocratic Ministry School to train preaching and teaching at the congregational level.

Knorr's vice-president Frederick William Franz became the leading theologian, and is believed to have been the principal translator of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.^[28] Also produced were a Greek-English New Testament interlinear (The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures) and a Bible dictionary (Aid to Bible Understanding).^[29] The offices of elder and ministerial servant (deacon) were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments being made from headquarters.^[30] Membership rose from 115,000 to over 2 million under Knorr's leadership.

During the 1960s^[31] and early 1970s, various references appeared in Witnesses' literature and assemblies, implying that Christ's thousand-year millennial reign might begin by 1975.^[32] The chronology pointing to 1975 was noted in the secular media at the time.^[33] From 1975 to 1980, there was a drop in membership following the failure of this prediction to materialize.^[34]

[edit] 1976-present

The leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses was reorganized in 1976 and the power of the presidency passed on to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. Subsequent presidents of the Watch Tower Society after Knorr's death in 1977 have been Frederick William Franz, Milton George Henschel and Don A. Adams. However, since 1976, doctrinal and organizational decisions have been made by the Governing Body.^[35] Witnesses no longer teach that the generation of people alive in 1914 will survive until Armageddon,^[36] but they continue to emphasize its nearness.^[37]

[edit] Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Jehovah's Witnessess

As of August 2005, Jehovah's Witnesses have a membership of more than 6.6 million actively involved in preaching.^[1] Jehovah's Witnesses' preaching activity is self-reported, each member submitting a 'Field Service Report' monthly.

Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries. In no country are they a large part of the population, however. Brazil and Mexico are the only countries other than the U.S. where the number of active Witness publishers exceeds half a million.

[edit] Organizational structure

Main article: Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses are currently led by a small, ecclesiastical Governing Body. The number of men who make up the Governing Body has ranged from ten to seventeen and currently stands at ten. The Governing Body, through the departments of its various legal organizations, directs the operation of the 112 branches throughout the world.^[38] Members volunteer to operate these facilities. Each branch assigns circuit overseers who travel among various congregations, spending a week with each. Within each local congregation, elders assigned by the branch organize the congregation's public ministry, and schedule various speakers for congregational teaching. They also decide on qualified members of the congregation for the positions of elder or ministerial servant, requiring the approval of higher leadership.

Elders are prominent in congregational matters, particularly in religious instruction and spiritual counseling; ministerial servants generally assist elders in a limited administrative capacity. Elders are unpaid, but Circuit and District overseers receive a small financial living allowance. All baptized Witnesses are considered to be ordained ministers, and are expected to be able to provide religious instruction to others. Males are encouraged to qualify to become elders. Within local congregations, the role of women is minimal in terms of responsibility, but they carry out a large proportion of the preaching work.

Dissemination of doctrine is done primarily through the bi-monthly journal The Watchtower. As well, a variety of other publications are released on a regular basis, including books, brochures and video productions. The New World Translation is the principal Bible translation used by these publications.

[edit] Beliefs and practices

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

Main articles: Beliefs and Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, and Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses

[edit] Overview

The entire Biblical canon, excluding the Apocrypha, is considered the inspired word of God. A literal interpretation of the Bible is usually favored, though it is acknowledged that at times biblical writers and characters employed symbolism, parable, figures of speech, and poeticism.^[39] The doctrine of sola scriptura is principal, that is, only the Bible should be used for deciding issues of doctrine. The codifying interpretation of scripture is the responsibility of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.^[40]

God is the creator and supreme being, sovereign of the universe. Using God's name, Jehovah (a derivative of the Tetragrammaton^[41]), is a requirement for true worship.^[42] Jesus is God's first creation and he was used by God to create everything else.^[43] Jesus is literally the only begotten Son of God, and received his life from God. He is the one who is the means of approach to God in prayer, and is the "Chief Agent of life" and salvation for all worthy mankind.^[44] His role as mediator of the "new covenant" is limited to those going to heaven,^[45] whose number totals 144,000. The vast majority of God's faithful servants will live on a renewed paradise earth.^[46] They believe that Jesus did not die on a cross but on a "torture stake" without a cross-bar.^[47] Mary was not perpetually a virgin, but bore more children after Jesus.^[48] The soul is the human body and consciousness, not an immaterial entity that dwells in a physical human. Death is a state of non-existence.^[49] Hell (Hades or Sheol) is not a place of fiery torment, but the designated common grave of all mankind.^[50]

The period known as the "last days" began in 1914.^[51] All religions, including Witnesses themselves, will shortly come under attack by governments leading into Armageddon, banning all forms of religion.^[52] After religion is destroyed, governments also face destruction.^[53] Any who are not deemed faithful by God will be destroyed.^[54] The fate of some, such as small children or the mentally ill, remains indeterminate.^[55] After Armageddon, an unknown number of dead people will be resurrected, with the prospect of living forever on the paradise earth.^[56]

Their view of sexual behavior reflects conservative Christian views. Homosexuality and premarital sex are considered sins.^[57] Abortion is considered murder.^[58] Modesty is heavily encouraged in dress and grooming. Gambling is strictly forbidden.^[59] Practices that connote nationalism or false religion are avoided. Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are typically observed; however, common celebrations and religious or national holidays such as Birthdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are regarded as unchristian and are not celebrated.^[60] The family structure is patriarchal. The husband is considered the final authority on family decisions, but is strongly encouraged to actively solicit his wife's thoughts and feelings. Marriages are required to be monogamous.^[61] Vigorous efforts are made to spread their beliefs by all members throughout the world in a variety of ways, with particular emphasis on the written word. Literature is published in many languages through a wide variety of books, magazines and other publications, with a small number being available in as many as 410 languages. The preaching work is regarded as a form of humanitarian effort by giving people a hope for the future. As a result, aid work that some other religious groups provide, such as soup kitchens, clothing donations, or building homes for the homeless, is not focused on.

The most important annual event is the commemoration of the death of Jesus (Memorial, Jesus' sacrifice for all mankind) held after sundown on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar. Weekly meetings are also held that feature a variety of discourses. Elders and ministerial servants deliver the majority of these, with some student discourses being given by both women and men. As well, certain segments feature audience participation. There is also involvement in relief work in disaster-stricken areas. The focus of the relief work is primarily on helping fellow members, while providing assistance to others in need near the area in which they are working. Examples of relief work include that provided to both Hutu and Tutsi victims during the Rwandan genocide, as well as to Congo refugees.^[62] Witnesses have also had an active share in the relief work of hurricane Katrina in the United States of America.^[63]

[edit] List of Watchtower Bible and Tract Society Publications

user:truth.ceeker/Jehovah's Witnesses publish books, brochures, magazines and tracts both for their public ministry and for members. The majority of this literature is published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York whereas the copyrights are usually held by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

The sale of their religious magazines, and all Jehovah's Witnesses' literature, continued around the world until the early 1990s. The Watchtower is now distributed in exchange of donations. These donations have made the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of NY, Inc. one of the top 40 most profitable companies in New York, reporting an anual revenue of about $951 million USD[2] free of taxation as they are registered as a non-profit corporation. Their yearly report is different from a Wall Street company as the company's employees are volunteers who live and work in the Brooklyn complex.

[edit] Bible translations

• New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (1961, 1970, 1971, 1984) - Read online
• The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures (1969, 1985)

The Watchtower Society also acquired publishing rights for the following Bible translations:

• The Bible in Living English (1972) - by Steven T. Byington
• American Standard Version (1944)
• King James Version of the Bible (1942)
• The Emphatic Diaglott (1926) - Read online

[edit] Books

[edit] Reference works

• user:truth.ceeker/Insight on the Scriptures, 2 volumes (1988)
• user:truth.ceeker/Aid to Bible Understanding (1969, 1971)
• user:truth.ceeker/Reasoning from the Scriptures (1985, 1989)
• user:truth.ceeker/Make Sure of All Things; Hold Fast to What is Fine (1965)
• user:truth.ceeker/Make Sure of All Things (1953, 1957)
• user:truth.ceeker/Comprehensive Concordance of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (first in 1973)
• user:truth.ceeker/All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial (1963, 1990)
• user:truth.ceeker/Equipped for Every Good Work (1946)

[edit] For use in preaching

• user:truth.ceeker/What Does the Bible Really Teach? (2005)
• user:truth.ceeker/Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life (1995)
• user:truth.ceeker/You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth (1982)
• user:truth.ceeker/The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life (1968, 1981)
• user:truth.ceeker/Good News for People of All Nations (2004)
• user:truth.ceeker/Good News For All Nations (1983)
• user:truth.ceeker/Worship the Only True God (2002)
• user:truth.ceeker/United in Worship of the Only True God (1983)
• user:truth.ceeker/Draw Close to Jehovah (2002)
• user:truth.ceeker/Mankind's Search for God (1990)
• user:truth.ceeker/The Bible—God's Word or Man's? (1989)
• user:truth.ceeker/Is the Bible Really the Word of God? (1969)

[edit] Bible commentaries

• user:truth.ceeker/Live With Jehovah's Day in Mind (2006)
• user:truth.ceeker/Isaiah's Prophecy—Light for All Mankind, Volume 2 (2001)
• user:truth.ceeker/Isaiah's Prophecy—Light for All Mankind, Volume 1 (2000)
• user:truth.ceeker/Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy! (1999)
• user:truth.ceeker/Your Will Be Done on Earth (1958)
• user:truth.ceeker/The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived (1991)
• user:truth.ceeker/Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand! (1988, 2006)
• user:truth.ceeker/Then Is Finished the Mystery of God (1969)
• user:truth.ceeker/Babylon the Great Has Fallen!" God's Kingdom Rules! (1963)
• user:truth.ceeker/Commentary on the Letter of James (1979)

[edit] History of Jehovah's Witnesses

• user:truth.ceeker/Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993)
• user:truth.ceeker/Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose (1959)

[edit] Books for members

• user:truth.ceeker/Organized to Do Jehovah's Will (2005)
• user:truth.ceeker/Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry (1983, 1989)
• user:truth.ceeker/Organization for Kingdom-Preaching and Disciple-Making (1972)
• user:truth.ceeker/Your Word is a Lamp To My Foot (1967)
• user:truth.ceeker/Preaching and Teaching in Unity (1950)

Song books:

• user:truth.ceeker/Sing Praises to Jehovah (1984)
• user:truth.ceeker/Singing and Accompanying Yourselves With Music in Your Hearts (1966)
• user:truth.ceeker/Songs to Jehovah's Praise (1950)
• user:truth.ceeker/Kingdom Service Song Book (1944)
• user:truth.ceeker/Songs of Praise to Jehovah (1928)
• user:truth.ceeker/Kingdom Hymns (1925)

Distributed only to congregation elders:

• user:truth.ceeker/Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock (1991)

Distributed only to regular pioneers (full-time evangelists):

• user:truth.ceeker/Shining as Illuminators in the World (1977, 1989, 2004)

Distributed only to office personnel at Watchtower Society branches:

• user:truth.ceeker/Branch Organization (revised 2003)
• user:truth.ceeker/Branch Office Procedure of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (1958, later revisions)

Distributed only to staff workers in branch offices:

• user:truth.ceeker/Dwelling Together in Unity (1974)

Distributed to missionaries:

• user:truth.ceeker/Counsel to Watch Tower Missionaries

For evangelism training:

• user:truth.ceeker/Benefit from Theocratic Ministry School Education (2001)
• user:truth.ceeker/Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook (1971)
• user:truth.ceeker/Qualified to Be Ministers (1955, 1967)
• user:truth.ceeker/Theocratic Aid to Kingdom Publishers (1945)
• user:truth.ceeker/Course in Theocratic Ministry (1943)

[edit] Books for children

• user:truth.ceeker/Learn From the Great Teacher (2003)
• user:truth.ceeker/Listening to the Great Teacher (1971)
• user:truth.ceeker/Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work (1989)
• user:truth.ceeker/Your Youth--Getting the Best Out of It (1976)
• user:truth.ceeker/My Book of Bible Stories (1978, 2004)
• user:truth.ceeker/From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained (1958)

[edit] Books for families

• user:truth.ceeker/The Secret of Family Happiness (1996)
• user:truth.ceeker/Making Your Family Life Happy (1978)

[edit] Books on science

• user:truth.ceeker/Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? (1998)
• user:truth.ceeker/Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? (1985)
• user:truth.ceeker/Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation? (1967)

[edit] Legal Guidance for Members

• user:truth.ceeker/Preparing for a Child Custody Case Involving Religious Issue (1997)
• user:truth.ceeker/Preparing for Child Custody Cases (1987)
• user:truth.ceeker/Defending and Legally Establishing the Good News (1950)

[edit] Other out-of-print books

• user:truth.ceeker/True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It? (1986)
• user:truth.ceeker/Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace (1986)
• user:truth.ceeker/Survival Into a New Earth (1984)
• user:truth.ceeker/Let Your Kingdom Come (1981)
• user:truth.ceeker/Happiness—How to Find It (1980)
• user:truth.ceeker/Life Does Have a Purpose (1977)
• user:truth.ceeker/Our Incoming World Government—God's Kingdom (1977)
• user:truth.ceeker/Good News to Make You Happy (1976)
• user:truth.ceeker/Holy Spirit—The Force Behind the Coming New Order! (1976)
• user:truth.ceeker/Your Youth—Getting the Best out of It (1976)
• user:truth.ceeker/Man's Salvation Out of World Distress at Hand! (1975)
• user:truth.ceeker/God's "Eternal Purpose" Now Triumphing For Man's Good (1974)
• user:truth.ceeker/Is This Life All There Is? (1974)
• user:truth.ceeker/God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached (1973)
• user:truth.ceeker/True Peace and Security—From What Source? (1973)
• user:truth.ceeker/Paradise Restored To Mankind—By Theocracy! (1972)
• user:truth.ceeker/The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah"—How? (1971)

[edit] Magazines

• user:truth.ceeker/The Watchtower - Published since 1879.
• user:truth.ceeker/Awake! - Published since 1919.

[edit] Newsletter

• user:truth.ceeker/Our Kingdom Ministry - distributed to publishers.

[edit] Brochures

• user:truth.ceeker/A Book for All People (1997)
• user:truth.ceeker/A Satisfying Life—How to Attain It
• user:truth.ceeker/Does God Really Care About Us?
• user:truth.ceeker/How Can Blood Save Your Life? (1990)
• user:truth.ceeker/Jehovah's Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?
• user:truth.ceeker/Look! I am Making All Things New! (1986)
• user:truth.ceeker/Should You Believe in the Trinity(1989)
• user:truth.ceeker/The Divine Name That Will Endure Forever (1984)
• user:truth.ceeker/What Does God Require of Us? (1996)
• user:truth.ceeker/When Someone You Love Dies (2000)

[edit] Tracts

• user:truth.ceeker/A Peaceful New World-Will It Come? (1992)
• user:truth.ceeker/What Hope for Dead Loved Ones? (1987)
• user:truth.ceeker/Hellfire—Is It Part of Divine Justice? (2001)
• user:truth.ceeker/Do You Have an Immortal Spirit? (2001)
• user:truth.ceeker/All Suffering Soon To End! (2005)

[edit] Unsorted

• user:truth.ceeker/A Secure Future—How You Can Find It
• user:truth.ceeker/Choosing the Best way of Life
• user:truth.ceeker/Divine Rulership—The Only Hope of All Mankind
• user:truth.ceeker/Divine Victory—Its Meaning for Distressed Humanity
• user:truth.ceeker/From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained
• user:truth.ceeker/God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached
• user:truth.ceeker/Let Your Name be Sanctified
• user:truth.ceeker/Let God Be True (1946, 1952)
• user:truth.ceeker/What Has Religion Done for Mankind? (1951)

[edit] Politics

Jehovah's Witnesses are politically neutral.^[64] They feel that their allegiance belongs to God's Kingdom (government). Thus they refrain from saluting the flag of any country or singing nationalistic songs.^[65] They believe that such an act would be tantamount to worshipping an idol. Members are expected to obey all the laws, including the paying of taxes, of the country in which they reside, so long as these do not violate God's law.^[66] 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. Before 1996 Jehovah's Witnesses also refused alternatives to military service.^[67][68][69] Jehovah's Witnesses are discouraged, but not prohibited under all circumstances, from voting in elections.^[70] They do not run for any political office.^[71]

[edit] Blood

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood

See also: Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues

Whole blood transfusions are rejected.^[72] This is based on their understanding of the biblical admonition to "keep abstaining from blood" based on Acts 15:28, 29 (NWT). According to the conscience of the particular individual, they may accept derivatives of blood. In current medical practice, whole blood transfusions are very rare, and blood derivatives are used instead. Witnesses may accept a process called normovolemic hemodilution, a treatment that processes the individual's own blood in a closed loop that does not interrupt the circulation of blood, and delivers it immediately back into the person's body. 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."^[73]

Jehovah’s Witnesses have been known to highlight the potential dangers of blood transfusions. Witness representatives have stated that plasma volume expanders are often sufficient to take care of various medical emergency situations.^[74] However, Witnesses explain that their objections to blood transfusions are for religious rather than medical reasons.^[75]

A growing number of hospitals are offering bloodless techniques in medicine and surgery.^[76] A number of medical professionals have credited Jehovah's Witnesses and their related organizations for their contribution to the dissemination of information regarding bloodless surgery techniques.^[77][78][79] Leaders in the fields of orthopedic and cardiac surgery have collaborated with Jehovah's Witnesses to produce information regarding the benefits of bloodless techniques and therapies.^[80][81]

[edit] Congregational discipline

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline

Congregational discipline is administered by congregation elders through a judicial committee. In the event that an accusation is made concerning a baptized member and there is sufficient evidence, a tribunal or judicial committee (usually of three elders) is formed to administer spiritual help and correction. Marking is employed when someone who chooses a course that is ill-considered from a doctrinal standpoint, but still something for which the standard of disfellowshipping would not apply. Though such a person would not be shunned, social interaction outside of formal worship settings would generally be discouraged.^[82] Reproof involves sins which are more serious than those for which one would be "marked". Reproof is given before all who have knowledge of the transgression.^[83]

The most severe discipline administered is disfellowshipping. The standard for determining whether one should be disfellowshipped is the judicial committee's estimation of the accused's repentance. Members of the judicial committee ask detailed questions and review actions of the member being considered, in consultation with the Bible and guidelines as set forth by the Governing Body.^[84] Baptized members who reject essential doctrine can be disfellowshipped for apostasy.^[85] Once the decision to disfellowship has been made, a person has seven days to appeal. If no legitimate appeal is made, the disfellowshipping will be announced to the congregation by letting them know that the person "is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses". After one is disfellowshipped, all baptized members cut off all association with that person.^[86] Exceptions are made in business and family household situations. If the disfellowshipped person is living in the same home with other baptized family members, religious matters are not discussed. Disfellowshipped family members outside the home are shunned.^[87] Disfellowshipped members are still permitted to attend Kingdom Hall meetings, but are not allowed to take an active part in meetings or the ministry.^{[citation needed]}

Members can officially leave the religion by writing a letter requesting to be "disassociated". Alternately, elders may also determine a member has disassociated themself by their actions. Both result in shunning.^[88]

A disfellowshipped individual may return to the congregation if they demonstrate sincere repentance from past sins. The congregation elders that made up the original judicial committee will allow a sufficient amount of time for the individual to prove their repentance. Once a decision is made to reinstate, a brief announcement is made to the congregation that the disfellowshipped member is once again an approved associate of the congregation.

[edit] Critical views

One of the most outspoken critics of Jehovah's Witnesses is Raymond Franz, a former third-generation Jehovah's Witness. Franz, who served nine years on the Governing Body, uses Galatians 1:16-20 to support his claim that Paul of Tarsus did not view the apostles in Jerusalem as a governing body. He further contends that the council of Jerusalem was an isolated event, and that the creation of a central authority in Christianity was a 4th century development.^[89] As well, he argues a sense of guilt is imposed on those not complying with organization arrangements for field service. Further, he contends that engaging in this formal activity became an extra-scriptural requirement placed upon those wanting to qualify for eldership. Time spent helping fellow members cannot be counted toward time spent in the ministry. He claims in addition that an individual's spirituality is judged by the elders on this basis. Further, he is critical of the application of the phrase "house to house" (gr. "kat' oikon") found at Acts 5:42, stating it does not require the idea of consecutive door-to-door visitation. He compares 27 Bible translations, for Acts 2:46, Acts 5:42 and Acts 20:20 showing phrases such as "at home", "at your houses" and "in your homes" are used more often than "house to house". ^[90] He also maintains that fear of being shunned and/or family break-up/loss causes people to nominally remain members rather than formally disassociate themselves. Also, Franz asserts that the judicial process itself, due to its private and nearly autonomous nature, directly contradicts the precedent found in the Bible and the organization's own teachings, and can be used in an arbitrary manner.^[91]

According to a peer-reviewed article published in 2005 in Journal of Church and State, Jehovah's Witnesses are allowed to accept blood provided it is in the form of blood fractions. Kerry Louderback-Wood, the author, alleges that labelling the currently acceptable blood fractions as "minute" in relation to whole blood causes followers to misunderstand the scope and extent of allowed fractions. She also claims that Witness publications misrepresent the medical risks of taking blood and the efficacy of non-blood medical therapies in critical situations.^[92]

Recent events ^[93] and ^[94] have led to criticism regarding the procedures on reporting child abuse. The current belief and doctrine that is followed when allegations of abuse are reported is taken from the Bible at Deuteronomy 18:15: "No single witness should rise up against a man respecting any error or any sin, in the case of any sin that he may commit. At the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses the matter should stand good" (As quoted from the New World Translation). Another cited text is Matthew 18:15-17. If an allegation of child abuse comes forward, and the alleged perpetrator denies it, the local congregational elders will investigate to see if there can be any others who can substantiate the claim. If there are none, the elders do not disfellowship the accused at the time. However, according to the Jehovah's Witness office of Public information: "..Even if the elders cannot take congregational action, they are expected to report the allegation to the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses in their country, if local privacy laws permit. In addition to making a report to the branch office, the elders may be required by law to report even uncorroborated or unsubstantiated allegations to the authorities. If so, we expect the elders to comply. Additionally, the victim may wish to report the matter to the authorities, and it is his or her absolute right to do so."^[95] Critics claim that a number of charges have gone unreported.

[edit] Child Abuse - Child Sexual Abuse and Jehovah's Witnesses in The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society

Jehovah's Witnesses, as an organization, have been accused of covering up cases of child molestation committed by their members. The religious group came under scrutiny parallel to the discovery of systematic abuse and cover-ups, most famously, within the Catholic Church in the late 1990s and early 2000s, although other religions had less-noted issues concerning sexual abuse. (See Anglicans in Australia, Unitarian/Universalism, and possibly Greek Orthodox Christians).

In February 2001, Christianity Today printed an article alleging that Jehovah's Witness policies made reporting sexual abuse difficult for members, and did not follow legal norms on the issue. Shortly after, in 2002, Erica Rodriguez filed a suit in the US District Court in Spokane, Washington. Manuel Beliz was convicted of abusing her and was sentenced to eleven years' imprisonment for his crime. In her suit, Rodriguez sought unspecified damages from Beliz for her abuse, and also from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. In 2003, Heidi Meyer alleged that her pleas concerning sexual abuse were dismissed and that this is a widespread problem. [3]

In response, Jehovah's Witnesses stated their opposition to any form of child abuse. They encourage parents - especially fathers - to take an active role in the proper guidance and protection of their children from molesters. They affirmed that the local elders are expected to investigate any accusation of child abuse. Declaring that where child abuse can be proven by their standards (two witnesses, which they interpret Deuteronomy 19:15 and Matthew 18:15-17 to support, or a voluntary confession), and the member is unrepentant, he or she is disfellowshipped (expelled from the religious institution). [4] Some criticize this stand since acts of pedophilia are usually done in private. If the child comes forward, he or she is considered to be only one witness. Since two witnesses are not present no judicial action is taken. However, judicial action can be taken if two persons are witnesses to separate incidents of the same type of wrongdoing. In addition, the Jehovah's Witnesses organization and its adherents have nevertheless faced criticism for leniency on this issue.

Witnesses defend themselves by stating that they obey all legal requirements for reporting sex offenders, and that they do discipline and disfellowship (excommunicate) child molesters. In addition, their policy is that a man who is a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation and that anyone in a responsible position who is guilty of child abuse would be removed. ^[96] They further state that their procedures have been refined over time. They state that over the years, as they have noted areas where their policies could be strengthened, they have followed through and that they are continuing to refine them. ^[97] They also vigorously dispute statements that encourage a negative view of an already oft-persecuted religious group.

One common criticism of Jehovah's Witness policy regarding sex abuse is that the victim is encouraged to first report the crime to the elders. However, Witnesses' spokesman J. R. Brown said Witnesses are not required to report crimes to elders before calling civil authorities. Victims and their families are free to call police at will, he said, although some don't choose to. ^[98] Thus the victim may decide to report the crime to civil authorities. The elders are not instructed to encourage or discourage a report to civil authorities, nor do the elders themselves report the crime (though in some cases, elders have suggested to the victims that reporting the case could tarnish the reputation of the organization^{[citation needed]}). Even so, the victim and his or her parents have the freedom and the responsibility to take whatever they feel is the best course of action for themselves. ^[99].However they are expected to report the allegation to the branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses in their country. In addition, the authorized Site of the Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses states that the elders will report even uncorroborated or unsubstantiated allegations to the authorities if required by law: "The safety of our children is of the utmost importance. We take it very seriously."

The BBC reported on the controversy around Jehovah's Witnesses child abuse in July 2002, in the Panorama program "Suffer the Little Children"^[100]. In response to the above BBC program, Paul Gillies, spokesman for the Britain branch of Jehovah's Witnesses comments on their official web site: "Sexual abuse of children is not just a terrible sin but also a crime that can leave lasting emotional scars on its victims. Jehovah's Witnesses everywhere abhor the sexual abuse of children and will not protect any perpetrator of such repugnant acts from the consequences of his gross sin.”

[edit] Cases of abuse

• January 23, 2007 - Church Elder pleads guilty to sex abuse. ^[101]
• December 19, 2006 - Marcel Simonin, A Jehovah's Witness, was found guilty of sexual aggression. ^[102]
• December 1, 2006 - Sex Offender Cary Verse Sent Back To Hospital ^{[103] [104]}
• November 12, 2006 - Enrique Bahena Robles, an Elder, was arrested for the crime of aggravated rape of a minor. ^{[105] [106]}
• September 22, 2006 - Elder Pleads Guilty. ^[107]
• August 22, 2006 - Curtis Thompson, a convicted rapist charged with murder. ^[108]
• July 19, 2006 - Zuri McGhee is charged with multiple counts of sexual assault on a child.^[109]
• June 26, 2006 - Bethel Elder Charged. ^[110]
• November 17, 2005 - Former elder "disfellowshipped" from congregation, convicted on sex charges. ^[111]

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} 2006 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, pg. 31: "Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service - 6,613,829. Average Publishers Preaching Each Month - 6,390,016. Worldwide Memorial Attendance - 16,383,333." A Publisher is defined as an active member who submits a monthly report of time spent preaching.
2. ^ (A term that they use for their belief that Jehovah God gives out understanding in small portions)
3. ^ Watchtower Magazine | November 15, 1995 | Page 5
4. ^ Barbour, N.H. (1871). Evidences for the Coming of the Lord in 1873: or the Midnight Cry. Retrieved on February 20, 2006.
5. ^ Barbour, N.H. (1874). The Midnight Cry and Herald of the Morning. Retrieved on February 20, 2006. See Section under "Our Faith."
6. ^ Russell explains how he accepted the idea of an invisible return of Christ in 1874 from N.H. Barbour in Watchtower (July 15 1906). "Harvest Gatherings and Siftings". Watchtower: 3822. 
7. ^ The Three Worlds and The Harvest of This World.
8. ^ The Three Worlds, p. 189.
9. ^ Online copies of the The Watch Tower from 1879-1916 can be viewed by issue at: http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/Reprints/index.asp or by article at: http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbv5/links.htm. These are taken from the 7 volume Watch Tower Reprints published by the Watch Tower Society in 1920 which reprinted all the issues from 1879-1919.
10. ^ The titles of the six volumes are: 1) The Divine Plan of the Ages, 2)The Time is At Hand, 3)Thy Kingdom Come, 4)The Battle of Armageddon, 5)The At-one-ment Between God and Man, 6)The New Creation
11. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Watchtower, 64-65. ;C.T. Russell's Last Will and Testament. from the December 1, 1916 Watch Tower. This editorial committee was requested to not write, or be connected with, any other publications.
12. ^ M.J. Penton. Apocalypse Delayed, M.J. Penton, p. 51. . Rutherford, as chief legal counsel for the Watch Tower Society, had written the new by-laws. (See Harvest Siftings II, written by J.F. Rutherford.)
13. ^ Rutherford published his account of the dispute in Harvest Siftings. and Harvest Siftings II.. The four directors replied to Rutherford's first booklet in Light After Darkness..
14. ^ See Rutherford's Harvest Siftings under subheading "Seeds Begin to Bring Forth."
15. ^ The Finished Mystery. Watchtower. , published 1917, was called the seventh volume of Studies in the Scriptures.
16. ^ A.H. MacMillan. Faith on the March, 80. . The ousted directors disagreed: "...if the directors were not legally elected, neither were the Society's three officers: Rutherford, Pierson, and Van Amburgh. In order to have been chosen officers in January 1917, they would have had to have been legally elected directors. Yet, they had not been, and hence, by Rutherford's own logic, did not hold office legally."—Apocalypse Delayed, M. James Penton, p. 52
17. ^ "Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of 'Christianity.'"— (1917) The Finished Mystery. Watchtower, 485.  (later editions read differently)
18. ^ "And the mountains were not found. Even the republics will disappear in the fall of 1920. And the mountains were not found. Every kingdom of earth will pass away, be swallowed up in anarchy." (1917) The Finished Mystery. Watchtower, 258. . (This date was changed in later editions.)
19. ^ (1920) Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Watchtower, 88. 
20. ^ (1924) The Way to Paradise. Watchtower, 220-235. 
21. ^ M.J. Penton. Apocalypse Delayed, 55-56. 
22. ^ (1993) Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdumb. Watchtower, 259-260. 
23. ^ M. James Penton. Apocalypse Delayed—The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses, 61. 
24. ^ Documentations of these changes can be found at Thomas Daniels. Historical Idealism and Jehovah's Witnesses, 3-37. Retrieved on February 1, 2006. 
25. ^ (1921) The Harp of God, 231-236.  affirms that “the Lord’s second presence dates from 1874.” "Watchtower" (March 1 1922): 71. Watchtower.  and (1930) Prophecy, 65-66.  reiterated this position. These are the current teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding 1914, 1918 and 1919. They no longer consider the dates 1799, 1874 and 1878 to have any eschatological significance.
26. ^ See article on the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Retrieved on February 22, 2005.
27. ^ Holocaust Encyclopedia
28. ^ Since 1942, Witness publications are produced under a policy of anonymity. Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz claims the translators of the New World Translation were Fred Franz, Nathan Knorr, Albert Schroeder and George Gangas. (2004) Crisis of Conscience, 4th, Commentary Press, 56. 0-914675-23-0. 
29. ^ In 1988 this was replaced by the 2-volume set Insight on the Scriptures.
30. ^ (1993) Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Watchtower, 106. 
31. ^ The year 1975 was first mentioned in 1966. See, for example, the article "How Much Longer Will It Be?" (October 8 1966). 'Awake!': 17-20. 
32. ^ A comprehensive list of quotes from Watch Tower 1975 articles, unaltered with date references, publication, and page numbers etc.Quotes about 1975.. Page 14 of the October 8, 1968 Awake! demonstrates the disclaimer that was made at the time: "Does this mean that the above evidence positively points to 1975 as the complete end of this system of things? Since the Bible does not specifically state this, no man can say...If the 1970's should see intervention by Jehovah God to bring an end to a corrupt world drifting toward ultimate disintegration, that should surely not surprise us.".
33. ^ "Witnessing the End" (July 18 1969). Time. 
34. ^ Raymond Franz. "1975—The Appropriate Time for God to Act", Crisis of Conscience, 237-253. Retrieved on July 27, 2006. This drop in membership has been variously analyzed. Richard Singelenberg (“The ‘1975′-prophecy and its impact among Dutch Jehovah’s Witnesses”) in Sociological Analysis 50(1)1989, pp 23-40 notes a 9 per cent drop in total publishers (door-to-door preachers) and a 38 per cent drop in pioneers (full-time preachers) in the Netherlands. The January 30, 1982 Los Angeles Times ("Defectors Feel 'Witness' Wrath: Critics say Baptism Rise Gives False Picture of Growth" by John Dart, p. B4) cited statistics showing a net increase of publishers worldwide from 1971-1981 of 737,241, while baptisms totalled 1.71 million for the same period.
35. ^ 1977 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 258
36. ^ "A Time To Keep Awake", The Watchtower (November 1, 1995), p. 19 par. 12, and p. 20 par. 15.
37. ^ "'The Great Day of Jehovah is near,' said God's prophet. (Zephaniah 1:14) That day is fast approaching, so we need to live with it in mind."-- (2006) Live With Jehovah's Day in Mind. Watchtower, 4. 
38. ^ Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (2005). Membership and Publishing Statistics. Authorized Site of the Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses. Retrieved on December 4, 2005.
39. ^ (2005) A Book for All People. Watchtower. 
40. ^ "Christ Leads His Congregation" (March 15 2002). Watchtower: 13-16. 
41. ^ The rendering of the Tetragrammaton is different for different languages: "Geova" in Italian, for example.
42. ^ "Why True Worship Receives God's Blessing" (April 15 1996). Watchtower: 17. .
43. ^ "What Do the Scriptures Say About "the Divinity of Christ"?" (January 15 1992): 20-23. Watchtower. 
44. ^ ""His Vital Place in God's Purpose" and "Chief Agent of life"", Insight on the Scriptures Vol. e2. Watchtower, 60-61. 
45. ^ "Consequently, 1 Timothy 2:5, 6 is not using 'mediator' in the broad sense common in many languages. It is not saying that Jesus is a mediator between God and all mankind. Rather, it refers to Christ as legal Mediator (or, "attorney") of the new covenant, this being the restricted way in which the Bible uses the term.
46. ^ (2005) What Does the Bible Really Teach?. Watchtower, 33-36. .
47. ^ "Watchtower" (August 15 1989): 30. 
48. ^ "Jesus' Family—Who Were They?" (December 15 2003). Watchtower: 3. 
49. ^ "Is There LIFE After Death?" (July 15 2001). Watchtower. 
50. ^ "Hell—Eternal Torture or Common Grave?" (April 15 1993). The Watchtower: 6. 
51. ^ ""In the Last Days" Since When?" (October 1 1980). Watchtower: 19. 
52. ^ (1988) Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!. Watchtower, 257-259. 
53. ^ "Flight to Safety Before the "Great Tribulation"" (June 1 1996). Watchtower: 14-19. 
54. ^ "Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium" (September 1 1989). Watchtower: 19. 
55. ^ "Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness" (August 15 1998). Watchtower: 20. 
56. ^ ""Death Is to Be Brought to Nothing"" (July 1 1998). Watchtower: 19-24. 
57. ^ "Young People Ask... What's Wrong With Premarital Sex?" (July 22 2004). Awake!: 12. 
58. ^ (1995) "Why Living a Godly Life Brings Happiness", Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life. Watchtower, 118. 
59. ^ (1995) Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Watchtower, 120. 
60. ^ "Questions From Readers" (October 15 1998). Watchtower: 30. 
61. ^ "The Bible's Viewpoint What Does It Mean to Be the Head of the House?" (July 8 2004). Awake!: 26. 
62. ^ "Christianity in Action: Amid Turmoil" . Watchtower. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. “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” 
63. ^ "Awake!" (June 2006): 14-19. 
64. ^ "Can You Make the World a Better Place?" (October 15 2001). Watchtower. 
65. ^ ""Salvation Belongs to Jehovah"" (September 15 2002). Watchtower: 21. 
66. ^ "God and Caesar" (May 1 1996). Watchtower: 9. 
67. ^ "Should Christians Be Pacifists?" (May 1997). Awake!: 22-23. 
68. ^ ""Salvation Belongs to Jehovah"" (November 1 1990). Watchtower: 23. 
69. ^ Watch Tower Information Service (2000). The Watchtower Society Receives New Light on Alternative Military Service. Retrieved on August 4, 2006.
70. ^ "Watchtower" (November 1 1999): 28. 
71. ^ (2002) "18 "They Are No Part of the World"", Worship the Only True God. Watchtower, 159. 
72. ^ 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.
73. ^ "Watchtower" (October 15 2000): 31. 
74. ^ "Student: 'Well, suppose somebody was just coming to the hospital. They’ve got a few seconds to live. The only possible way out is a blood transfusion. Well, what’s your answer to that?' Witness: 'That situation doesn’t exist. Wherever there are cases where a person . . . let’s say comes in off the highway here . . . and there is extreme loss of blood. Every emergency room, in every hospital, has a plasma volume expander which can . . .keep the volume up in the system...'Witness: “The need there is to keep the volume up in the system. It’s not the blood so much that’s needed then, but the volume that must be replaced. These expanders will do it. They are used in emergency situations; they are recommended by Civil Defense organizations when blood is not available. Obviously it works—it has worked on thousands of Jehovah’s witnesses.” "Awake!" (February 22 1976): 15. 
75. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses and Medical Care:"Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood for religious rather than medical reasons"; accessed July 19, 2006
76. ^ University of Pennsylvania article
77. ^ [http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/1996/1/22/instrumental_in_advance.htm
78. ^ [1] Article from Jehovah's Witnesses official website]
79. ^ MSNBC article on Jehovah's Witnesses and bloodless surgery
80. ^ Informational video
81. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses present several leading surgeons and their opinions about nonblood surgery
82. ^ "Question From Readers" (April 15 1985). Watchtower: 31. 
83. ^ "Giving Reproof "Before All Onlookers"" (December 1 1976). Watchtower. 
84. ^ "Questions from Readers" (November 15 1979). Watchtower. 
85. ^ 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 March 18, 2006.
86. ^ "Watchtower" (April 15 1988). 
87. ^ "Disfellowshiping—How to View It" (September 15 1981). Watchtower: 26. “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” 
88. ^ "Those who formally say they do not want to be part of the organization any more are also avoided."--"Beliefs—Frequently Asked Questions" from Official Website: http://www.jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm accessed August 2, 2006
89. ^ Raymond Franz. In Search Of Christian Freedom, 44-68. 
90. ^ Raymond Franz. In Search Of Christian Freedom, 202-218. 
91. ^ Raymond Franz (2002). In Search Of Christian Freedom, 374–390. 
92. ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses, Blood Transfusions and the Tort of Misrepresentation" (Autumn 2005). Journal of Church and State 47, Number 4: 816. “The Watchtower Society builds a case that other doctors wish all surgeons would become bloodless surgeons, when in fact those doctors recognize the benefits of blood transfusions for those who are in desperate need” 
93. ^ [Joseph Cano - Bethel Elder who Police in Middletown are accusing of trying to lure young boys for sex]
94. ^ [Wayne Cairns, an Elder with the Jehovah's Witnesses pleads Guilty to Indecent Act]
95. ^ http://www.jw-media.org/region/global/english/backgrounders/e_molestation.htm
96. ^ The Watchtower January 1, 1997
97. ^ Authorized Site of the Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses
98. ^ Tubbs, Sharon (Aug. 22, 2002), "Spiritual shunning", St. Petersburg Times.
99. ^ Davis, Graham (09/22/2002). Silent Witnesses (English). ninemsn.
100. ^ Powys, Betsan (July 14, 2002). Suffer the Little Children.
101. ^ Roberto Soto Colon, an Elder with the Jehovah's Witnesses, pleads guilty to sexual abuse.
102. ^ Marcel Simonin found guilty of sexual aggression.
103. ^ Cary is arrested again.
104. ^ Cary becomes a Jehovah's Witness.
105. ^ Mexico Elder arrested
106. ^ Jehovah's Witness Elder arrested for aggravated rape
107. ^ Wayne Cairns, an Elder with the Jehovah's Witnesses pleads Guilty to Indecent Act
108. ^ A Jehovah's Witness is considered an extreme risk to the community
109. ^ A Jehovah's Witness is charged with unlawful sexual contact
110. ^ Joseph Cano - Bethel Elder who Police in Middletown are accusing of trying to lure young boys for sex
111. ^ Ex-elder gets 25-year term in sex case

[edit] See also

• Roman Catholic Church and child sexual abuse
• Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues

[edit] External links

• Article of Erica Rodriguez's suit
• Jehovah's Witnesses' Response on child abuse, from official site (video)
• Jehovah's Witnesses Official Policy on Child Protection, from official site
• articles in Awake! about child protection
• News Articles on Jehovah's Witnesses and Child Abuse
• Robinson, B.A. (2003), "Jehovah's Witnesses and child sex abuse", ReligiousTolerance.org. Retrieved 29 July 2005.
• Vleugel, Rado, "Jehovah's Witnesses & (sexual) child abuse", watchtowerinformationservice.org. Retrieved 29 July 2005.
• "Child Abuse Among JWs", Investigator Magazine, Volume 93.
• Tubbs, Sharon (22 August 2002), "Spiritual shunning", St. Petersburg Times.
• U.S. Department of Justice (September, 2004) "A National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations (Adults/Adolescents)" (PDF format)
• 2001 Christianity Today article by Corrie Cutrer

[edit] Controversy

Main article: Controversies regarding Jehovah's Witnesses

A number of doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses differ from that of mainstream Christianity. The most controversial doctrinal differences relate to the nature of God and of Jesus(mainly the belief they have that Jesus is an Angel(Sons of God) but not God), as well as doctrines to do with death and judgement. Many of these doctrines are considered heresy by mainstream Christians, and many label Jehovah's Witnesses as a cult.

Critics have also attacked the New World Translation, the translation of the Bible published by Jehovah's Witnesses. They state that the group has changed the Bible to suit their doctrine, and that the translation contains a number of errors and inaccuracies.^[1]

A large number of books have been published attacking the Watchtower Tract & Bible Society.^[2] Critics state that the Watchtower Society has made a number of unfulfilled predictions and docrinal changes over the years, while claiming that it's "faithful and Discreet Slave" class is the only true channel for spiritual "food at the proper time". ^[3] used by God to continually dispense truth. Critics have attacked the Witnesses' policies on blood transfusions, stating that their requirements are inconsistent and contradictory.

Critics have also argued that various Witness policies and practices, including the treatment of members who dissociate or are disfellowshipped, freedom to access external information about the group from former members, and the regulation of a member's life, impact negatively on a person's ability to exercise freedom of mind.

Jehovah's Witnesses' attitudes towards the United Nations and towards members of other religions, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, have also been controversial.

[edit] Persecution

Main article: Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses

Animosity against Jehovah's Witnesses has at times led to mob action and government oppression, particularly under the Nazis and during the 1940s war frenzy in the United States ^[4].

Some communities have also opposed the building of facilities (such as Kingdom Halls) and the holding of large conventions in their areas. Though such opposition is at times specifically directed at the religious group, at other times more mundane concerns are involved, such as traffic congestion and noise. In some legal cases, (such as Congrégation des témoins de Jéhovah de St-Jérôme-Lafontaine v. Lafontaine (Village)), disputes that have been about appropriate land use have been claimed by the Witnesses to have come out against them due to religious bias.

[edit] See also

• Restorationism
• Religious Rejection of Politics
• Knocking, a documentary on Witnesses produced in 2006
• Bloodless surgery

[edit] References

[edit] Further reading

[edit] Watch Tower resources

See also: List of Jehovah's Witnesses literature

• Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses
• Authorized Site of the Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses

[edit] Other sources

• Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses by M. James Penton. Penton, who is a professor emeritus of history at University of Lethbridge, examines the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, and their doctrines. Read selections from: Google Book Search - Publisher: University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3 (Canada, 1998)
• BBC Religion: Jehovah's Witnesses
• CESNUR, the Center for Studies on New Religions - CESNUR is an international network of associations of scholars working in the field of new religious movements. Its director is the Italian scholar Massimo Introvigne.
• Crisis of Conscience by Raymond Franz, a former Jehovah's Witness who was a member of the Governing Body of the Watch Tower Society for nine years. This book gives a detailed account of the authority structure, practices, doctrines and decision-making practices Franz experienced while serving on the Governing Body. Sample chapters online: 1, 9, 10, 11, 12. Publisher: Commentary Press. 420 pages. Hardback ISBN 0-914675-24-9. Paperback ISBN 0-914675-23-0. 4th edition (June 2002)
• Free minds - Detailed discussions about Jehovah's Witnesses' doctrines, history, and claims from a critical perspective.
• The Gentile Times Reconsidered: Chronology & Christ's Return by Carl O. Jonsson. Jonsson considers the origin of the belief that the Gentile Times began in 607 B.C. and examines several lines of evidence and the methodology for deriving it. ISBN 0-914675-06-0 Publisher: Commentary Press (July, 1998, Fourth edition 2004)
• Jehovah's Witnesses Defended by Greg Stafford. Mr. Stafford reviews and thoroughly explores the most common, and/or prevalent, criticisms made about Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society. http://elihubooks.com/books/
• Jehovah's Witnesses United - The site was created so that scholarly information supporting the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society's teachings and the New World Translation could be collected in one location on the web.

• A People for His Name: A History of Jehovah's Witnesses and an Evaluation by Timothy White (pseudonym for Anthony Wills). White explores the Witnesses' doctrinal growth and shifts and notes schisms from the main body. 418 pages. Publisher: The Vantage Press, 1967.
• Reasoning From the Scriptures with the Jehovah's Witnesses by Ron Rhodes. 444 pages. Harvest House Publishers, 1993. Written from an Evangelical Christian perspective, this book is designed to aid them in dialogues with Witnesses. ISBN 1-56507-106-9
• Strictly Genteel Theocratic Resources - Scans of complete books and booklets from Russell's era to Knorr's. The "site is maintained by one of Jehovah's Witnesses who fully supports the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society." Emphasis is on literature not found in the Watchtower Library CD-ROM.
• Watchtower Information Service - The latest news and over 250 articles on Jehovah's Witnesses including a collection of Watchtower Quotes.
• Watchtower Bible And Tract Society Publications - A diverse collection of publications produced by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society throughout their history in an online and searchable format. It can also be found here.
• About Jehovah's Witnesses - Information about the history, beliefs and practices of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
• This Documentary is a video detailing the history, structure and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses.

[Category:Jehovah's Witnesses|*]] [Category:Christian denominations]] [Category:Antitrinitarianism]] [Category:New religious movements]] [Category:Restorationism]]