Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs

 
Part of a series on
Jehovah's Witnesses
 
Overview
Organizational structure
Governing Body
Watch Tower Bible
and Tract Society
Corporations
History
Bible Student movement
Splinter groups
Doctrinal development
Demographics
By country
Beliefs · Practices
Salvation · Eschatology · 144,000
Faithful and discreet slave · Hymns
God's name · Blood · Discipline
Literature
The Watchtower · Awake!
New World Translation
List of publications
Teaching programs
Kingdom Hall · Gilead School
People
Watch Tower presidents
W.H. Conley · C.T. Russell
J.F. Rutherford · N.H. Knorr
F.W. Franz · M.G. Henschel
D.A. Adams
Formative influences
William Miller · Henry Grew
George Storrs · N.H. Barbour
Notable former members
Raymond Franz · Olin Moyle
Opposition
Criticism · Persecution
Supreme Court cases

The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses are based on the Bible teachings of Charles Taze Russell—founder of the Bible Student movement—and successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford and Nathan Homer Knorr.[1] Since 1976 all doctrinal decisions have been made by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, a group of elders at the religion's Brooklyn headquarters. These teachings are disseminated through The Watchtower magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, and at conventions and congregation meetings.[2] Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the present age of human existence is about to be terminated with the direct intervention of God, who will use Jesus Christ to fully establish his heavenly government over earth, destroying existing human governments and non-Witnesses,[3][4] and creating a cleansed society of true worshippers. They see their mission as primarily evangelical (disseminating "good news"), to warn as many people as possible in the remaining time before Armageddon.[5][6] All members of the religion are expected to take an active part in preaching. Witnesses refer to all their beliefs collectively as "the Truth".[7]

Contents

Source of doctrines

Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by their Governing Body, which is said to represent God's "faithful and discreet slave class"[8][9][10][11] (the approximately 10,800 "anointed" Jehovah's Witnesses), which Witnesses believe is used by Christ as a channel for God's progressive revelations and to direct Christians on biblical matters.[12][13][14] The Governing Body seeks neither advice nor approval from any "anointed" Witnesses other than high-ranking members at the Brooklyn headquarters.[15][8]

Watch Tower publications claim that doctrinal changes and refinements result from a process of progressive revelation, in which God gradually reveals his will and purpose[16][17][18][19] to some headquarters staff.[20] Watch Tower literature has suggested such enlightenment results from the application of reason and study,[21] the guidance of holy spirit, and direction from Jesus Christ and angels.[22] However, the Governing Body also disclaims infallibility and divine inspiration.[23][24][25] The religion makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings[26] and all Witnesses are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body. Watch Tower publications strongly discourage Witnesses from formulating doctrines and "private ideas" reached through independent Bible research.[27][28][29][30] Members who promote privately-developed teachings contrary to those of the Governing Body may be expelled and shunned.[27][31][32][33]

Organization

Organizational headquarters at Brooklyn, New york

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God uses an organization both in heaven and on earth, and that Jehovah's Witnesses, under the direction of their Governing Body, are the only visible channel by which God communicates with humanity.[34][35] The organization is said to be theocratic, "ruled from the divine Top down, and not from the rank and file up".[36] Witnesses teach that people must choose between God’s organization and Satan’s.[37][38] Watch Tower publications teach that the Bible is an "organizational book" that does not belong to individuals and that the Bible cannot be properly understood without guidance by "Jehovah's visible organization".[39]

Witnesses undergoing baptism are required to publicly confirm that they are associating themselves "with God's spirit-directed organization",[40] thereby submitting themselves to its direction and judicial system.[41] Watch Tower publications urge Witnesses to demonstrate loyalty to the organization without dissent,[42][43] even at the cost of family ties.[44] Loyalty to the organization is said to require full involvement in public preaching[45] and regular meeting attendance.[46]

Disagreement with the Watch Tower concept of God's organization figured prominently in events that led to a 1980 purge of high-level members at the religion's Brooklyn headquarters. A summary by a Governing Body committee of "wrong teachings" being promoted as "new understandings" included the suggestion that God did not have an organization on earth.[47] Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz, who was expelled as part of the purge, has subsequently criticized the Watch Tower concept of organization.[48] He claims the concept—which posits that God does not deal with individuals apart from an organization—has no scriptural support and serves only to reinforce the religion's authority structure, with its strong emphasis on human authority.[49] He also claims that The Watchtower has repeatedly blurred discussions of both Jesus Christ's loyalty to God and the apostles' loyalty to Christ to promote the view that Witnesses should be loyal to the Watch Tower organization.[50] Sociologist Andrew Holden has observed that Witnesses see no distinction between loyalty to Jehovah and to the movement itself,[51] and other researchers have claimed that challenging the views of those higher up the hierarchical ladder is regarded as tantamount to challenging God himself.[52]

Restoration of "true" Christianity

Witnesses believe that after the death of the apostles, the Church embarked on a "Great Apostasy", diverging from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. Influenced by Restorationism in the 19th century, Charles Taze Russell and his associates formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, developing teachings that they considered to be a revival of "the great truths taught by Jesus and the Apostles".[53] Watch Tower publications claim both the Great Apostasy and Russell's subsequent "restoration" of original Christianity[54] were a fulfillment of Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds at Matthew 13:24-30,36-43.[55] Although many of their fundamental teachings have changed over the years,[56] Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently claimed to be the only true religion.[57]

Bible

Jehovah's Witnesses prefer to use the New World Translation of the Bible if available in their language

The entire Protestant canon of scripture is seen as the inspired, inerrant word of God.[58] Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be scientifically and historically accurate and reliable[59] and interpret much of it literally, while also accepting it contains much symbolism.[60] Jehovah's Witnesses base all of their beliefs on the Bible, as interpreted by the Governing Body.[61]

They use the terms "Hebrew" and "Christian Greek" scriptures rather than "Old" and "New" Testaments to avoid implication that the Old Testament is outdated or inferior.[62] They believe that the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) contain prophecy that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ,[63] and that the books of the Christian Greek Scriptures (New Testament) are primarily directed to the 144,000 chosen by God for life in heaven.[64] The Watch Tower Society's New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, the main translation used by Jehovah's Witnesses, reflects their view that God's name, as represented by the Tetragrammaton, should be rendered as "Jehovah", rather than "GOD" or "LORD" in all capital letters as found in translations such as the King James Version.

See also: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures

God

Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the creator and supreme being. Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine, which they consider unscriptural.[65] They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit "person" separate from the Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is described as God's "active force", rather than the third person of the Trinity.[66] They believe he is "infinite, but approachable"; he is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven;[67] it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend;[68] he is kind and merciful, and would not eternally "torture" wicked people.[69] Being respectful of the principle of free will, he does not force his sovereignty on people, choosing to save only those who want to serve him, even though the course of mankind in general may lead them to harm.[70]

Witnesses teach that God must be distinguished by his personal name—Jehovah, as it was rendered in the King James Version. The name is a common modern representation of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, or four-letter name, transliterated as YHWH.[71] The use of his personal name is regarded as vital for true worship;[72] and Witnesses rarely speak of "God" without prefacing the term with the name "Jehovah".[73] The term "Lord", although common in the Bible, is rarely used by Witnesses when speaking about God.[73] Because no other religion uses the name "Jehovah" with the same prevalence, they believe only their religion is making God's name known.[74]

See also: Jehovah and Nontrinitarianism

Jesus Christ

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's "only begotten" son, and that his life began in heaven.[75] He is described as God's first creation and the "exact representation of God",[76] but is believed to be a separate entity and not part of a Trinity. Jesus is said to have been used by God in the creation of all other things.[77] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Archangel, Michael, "the Word" of John 1:1, and wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 refer to Jesus in his pre-human existence. His birth on earth was accomplished when he willingly allowed himself to be transferred, by God, from heaven to the womb of the virgin, Mary.[78] While on earth, Jesus was executed as a sacrifice to atone for mankind's sins, becoming the "eternal father" to the human family.[79]

They believe that after his death, Jesus appeared to his disciples and convinced them of his resurrection, and then ascended into heaven to sit at Jehovah's right hand until he would become the promised king of God's heavenly kingdom. Jesus acts as the mediator of a "new covenant"[80] referred to in Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, and Hebrews 9:15; 12:24, directly mediating only for those going to heaven (the 144,000). Those with an earthly hope are said to be beneficiaries of that covenant.[81][82][83] Even as king of God's kingdom, Jesus remains subordinate to God.[84] Witnesses reject the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, who they believe bore more children after Jesus.[85]

Cross

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society used the Cross and Crown symbol on tombstones, and on its publications until 1931.[86][87] Since 1936, Jehovah's Witnesses have rejected the idea that Jesus died on a cross, and instead teach that he died on a single wooden stake (crux simplex), asserting that the Koiné Greek word σταυρος (stauros) refers to a single upright post. They consider the cross to be of pagan origins and an object of idol worship.[88] Some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted or killed for not bowing down to or kissing a cross.[89][90]

Satan

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan is God's chief adversary[91] and the invisible ruler of the world.[92][93] He was originally a perfect son of God but developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship that belonged to God. Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to obey him rather than God, raising the issue—often referred to as a "controversy"[91]—of whether people, having been granted free will, would obey God under both temptation and persecution. The issue is said to be whether God can rightfully claim to be sovereign of the universe.[92] Instead of destroying Satan, God decided to test the loyalty of the rest of humankind and to prove to the rest of creation that Satan was a liar.[65] Watch Tower publications teach that Satan misleads people on earth, and that he and the demons are the cause of human suffering. Satan and his demons are said to have been cast down to earth from heaven in 1914, marking the beginning of the "last days".[92][94]

God's Messianic Kingdom

Publications of Jehovah's Witnesses teach that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, established in 1914,[95] ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 humans raised to heaven.[96] The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the earth,[97][98] bringing about a world free of crime, sickness, death and poverty, and ultimately transforming the earth into a paradise.[99] The kingdom is said to have been the focal point of Jesus' ministry[100] and was established in 1914.

Death

Jehovah's Witnesses believe the soul is mortal, with a hope of resurrection

Witnesses regard the soul as mortal, based on the statement at Ezekiel 18:4 that "the soul that sins, it shall die" (MKJV)[101] and thus believe the soul does not continue to live after one dies.[102] Death is considered a state of non-existence, based on their understanding of Ecclesiastes 9:5, "For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all". Witnesses believe that the only hope for life after death is in the resurrection, which they say involves re-creation by God of the same individual with a new body.[103] They believe that 144,000 people will be resurrected to life as spirit creatures in heaven to be priestly rulers under Christ, but the vast majority, to physical life on earth.[104]

Watch Tower publications teach that hell (hades or sheol) is not a place of fiery torment, but rather the "common grave", a place of unconscious non-existence.[105] Gehenna, the Bible word commonly translated "hellfire", is said to describe a judgment of complete destruction,[106] and that no resurrection is possible for anyone in Gehenna.[107] They reason that complete destruction does not allow for literal "torture" of the wicked, as the deceased person lacks consciousness.[108] Based on this, they believe that parables such as that of "the rich man and Lazarus" should not be interpreted literally, and that such references are speaking of symbolic death, not the physical death of actual individuals.[109]

Witnesses teach that sometimes wicked angels (demons) pretend to be spirits of the dead, and that their deception is the basis for many beliefs about ghosts.[110][111]

Salvation

Witness publications teach that all humanity is in a sinful state.[112] Release from this is possible because Jesus' shed blood provided a payment, or atonement for the sins of humankind.[113][114][115] Salvation is said to be a result of the undeserved kindness (grace) of God,[116] but to be saved, one needs faith, demonstrated by Christian works, including the proper discharge of family duties, kindness and concern for others and proper conduct,[117] as well as endurance in "zealous" preaching, which is singled out as the means by which Witnesses attain salvation.[118][119][120]

Witnesses believe there are two destinations for those saved by God. They say the number of Christians going to heaven is limited to exactly 144,000, who will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over earth.[121] The remainder have the hope of living forever in an earthly paradise.[122] Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the only scriptural hope of surviving Armageddon comes through adherence to their beliefs, including faith in Jesus' shed blood. Those who do not show such faith and become part of God's "organization" face destruction at Armageddon.[3][4][123] Watch Tower publications make no explicit claim about whether small children or the mentally ill will survive, but say God's judgment will be righteous and merciful.[124] After Armageddon, most people will be resurrected with the prospect of living forever,[125] but those who have already been condemned by God will not be resurrected.[126] These are said to include any killed at Armageddon, or those doomed to everlasting destruction in "Gehenna".[127] Christ will rule for a thousand years, during which time, earth will be transformed into a paradise, while Satan is abyssed and unable to influence humanity.[128] After a final test, Satan and all those corrupted by him will be destroyed forever, with evil never occurring again.[129] Those who survive that final test will live forever.[130]

Eschatology

Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ returned invisibly and began to rule in heaven as king in October 1914.[131] They assert that the Greek word parousia (translated in most English Bible translations as coming when referring to Christ) is more accurately rendered presence, with his return perceived only as a series of "signs". As such, the Second Coming is considered an invisible presence, lasting for an extended period of time.[132] They believe that when Jesus became king, Satan was ousted from heaven to the earth, bringing a period of "woe" to mankind.[133]

Witnesses base their beliefs about the significance of 1914 on the Watch Tower Society's interpretation of biblical chronology,[134] based on their belief that the destruction of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity occurred in 607 BC. (Non-Witness sources date Jerusalem's destruction to 587/586 BC.) They believe that Daniel chapter 4 prophesied a period of 2,520 years starting with 607 BC and ending at 1914 AD.[135][136] They equate this period with the "Gentile Times" or "the appointed times of the nations," a phrase taken from Luke 21:24. They believe that when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, the line of kings descended from David was interrupted, and that God's throne was "trampled on" from then until Jesus began ruling in October 1914.[137] Witnesses believe their doctrine is confirmed by world events since 1914, including wars, famine, more severe earthquakes and increasing lawlessness, which they see as fulfillment of the "sign" of Christ's presence.[138][139] They believe that their preaching is also part of that sign, citing Matthew 24:14.[140][141][142]

Witnesses teach that 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 to serve as kings alongside Christ in his heavenly government.[143]

The current world era, or "system of things", is considered to be in its "last days",[144] facing imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God in truth. This judgment will begin with the destruction by the United Nations of false religion, which they identify as "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17.[145] This will mark the beginning of the great tribulation.[146] Satan will subsequently attack Jehovah's Witnesses, an action that will prompt God to begin the war of Armageddon, during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Christ's "sheep", or true followers, will be destroyed.[147] After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth,[148][149] which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the Garden of Eden.[150]

After Armageddon, most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for the thousand years referred to in Revelation 20.[151] This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection, not on past deeds.[152] At the end of the thousand years a final test will take place when Satan is released to mislead perfect mankind;[153] Satan and any who fail the test will be destroyed, leaving a fully tested, perfect human race.[154] Christ will then hand all authority back to God.[155]

Defection

Watch Tower publications assert that members of the religion are not compelled to remain part of the congregation.[156] However, Jehovah's Witness doctrines provide no method for baptized members to leave the religion on good terms.[157] Any who do choose to depart and announce their decision to terminate their membership are regarded as abandoning God's organization and protection and voluntarily entering the world of Satan,[157][158] becoming part of the antichrist.[159] Watch Tower publications define such individuals as being "more reprehensible than those in the world"[159] and direct that they are to be shunned by other Witnesses, including close relatives, with no social or religious contact and no greeting given.[156][158] Sociologist Andrew Holden claims his research indicated many Witnesses who would otherwise defect because of disillusionment with the organization and its teachings retain affiliation out of fear of being shunned and losing contact with friends and family members.[157]

Apostasy

Watch Tower publications define apostasy as the abandonment of the worship and service of God by members of the Christian congregation, and equate it with rebellion against God.[160] Apostate behaviour is said to include the rejection of biblical teachings or requirements, the rejection of Jehovah’s organization, association with or support for another religion[161] and celebration of religious holidays.[162] It is grounds for expulsion from the religion. The "identifying marks" of apostates are said to include attempts to gain followers, disregard for the Witnesses’ preaching activity, rejection of God's visible organization, public criticism of other Witnesses and attempts to hinder their work.[160] Other identifying behaviour is said to include deviation from the truth, twisted, empty speech, hypocrisy and involvement in deeper forms of ungodliness.[163] Watch Tower literature says apostates are motivated by vitriolic bitterness and that their writings are poisonous, distorted and false, display the characteristics of "cunning, contrived error, prideful intelligence, lack of love and dishonesty" and are designed to undermine the faith of Jehovah’s Witnesses.[164] Apostates are described as proud, independent, ungrateful and presumptuous,[163] displaying jealousy, fits of anger and other unchristian conduct and are said to often fall victim to drunken bouts, loose conduct and fornication.[163]

Witnesses who are defined as apostates are said to have become part of the antichrist[161] and are regarded as more reprehensible than non-Witnesses.[161] They are described as "anti-God" and doomed to destruction.[165] Witnesses are told they must loathe and hate in the "biblical sense of the word" those who are defined as apostates and show no curiosity about their ideas.[166] Apostates must be shunned and Witnesses are warned that those who greet one become "a sharer in his wicked works".[161]

Education

Jehovah's Witnesses are directed to study the Bible using Watch Tower Society publications

Jehovah's Witnesses are instructed to make their preaching work the top priority in their life. Higher education is discouraged, based on their belief that it is futile to plan for secular advancement in a world that faces imminent destruction, as well as fears about succumbing to "worldly thinking" and concerns that advanced education might lead to a lack of humility.[167][168][169] Because evangelistic activities take priority over educational success, young Witnesses rarely progress to college or university,[170] which can be a source of regret in subsequent years among those who are reared in the organization and later defect.[170] Watch Tower publications advise parents to recommend alternatives to university education for their children, suggesting associate degrees from community or technical colleges or short courses in subjects such as office administration, automotive repair, computing, or hairdressing. They urge that young Witnesses should pursue higher education only to gain skills to obtain a reasonable living while maintaining flexibility to pursue their "true" vocation, serving God.[171] Author James Penton's major study of the Witnesses, Apocalypse Delayed, noted that of those Witnesses who do progress to university, few are likely to take studies in such areas as the humanities and the social sciences, "disciplines that are most threatening to the Witness world-view".[172]

Jehovah's Witnesses provide religious training programs for their members, which focus on improving skills for their ministry. These include the congregational Theocratic Ministry School, and other programs for specific ranks, such as the Pioneer Service School, Ministerial Training School and Gilead School.

References

  1. ↑ Franz 2002, p. 106.
  2. ↑ Keep Yourselves in God’s Love, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 2008, page 43, "The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses represents the slave class. ... elders today receive instructions and counsel from the Governing Body, either directly or through its representatives, such as traveling overseers."
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium", The Watchtower, September 1, 1989, page 19, "Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the 'great crowd,' as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil."
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Worship the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, page 179.
  5. ↑ "All True Christians Are Evangelizers", The Watchtower, January 1, 2002, pages 11-12, "Proselytize or Evangelize? The Greek language has the word pro·se’ly·tos, which means a “convert.” From this has come the English word “proselytism,” which basically means “the act of making converts.” Nowadays, some say that proselytism is harmful. ... Pressuring people to change their religion is wrong. Certainly, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not act in such a way. Hence, they do not proselytize in the modern meaning of the word. Rather ... they preach the good news to everyone. Any who respond voluntarily are invited to take in more knowledge by means of a Bible study."
  6. ↑ Holden 2002, p. 7.
  7. ↑ Holden 2002, p. 71.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "The faithful steward and its governing body", The Watchtower, June 15, 2009, page 20.
  9. ↑ "Seek God's guidance in all things", The Watchtower, April 15, 2008, page 11.
  10. ↑ "How the Governing Body Is Organized", The Watchtower, May 15, 2008, page 29.
  11. ↑ You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. Watchtower Society. 1989. p. 195. 
  12. ↑ Organized to Do Jehovah's Will, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, page 16.
  13. ↑ "Jehovah, the God of Progressive Revelation", Watchtower, June 15, 1964, page 365, "The abundance of spiritual food and the amazing details of Jehovah’s purposes that have been revealed to Jehovah’s anointed witnesses are clear evidence that they are the ones mentioned by Jesus when he foretold a 'faithful and discreet slave' class that would be used to dispense God’s progressive revelations in these last days ... How thankful we should be for the provision God has made of this slave class, the modern spiritual remnant, as they faithfully dispense the revealed truths of Jehovah! ... Jehovah’s faithful witnesses have been progressively brought to an understanding of Jehovah’s purposes, which are clearer now than ever before in history."
  14. ↑ Watchtower August 1, 2001 p. 14 paragraph 8, "A mature Christian ... does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and 'the faithful and discreet slave.'"
  15. ↑ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. pp. 152–164. ISBN 0914675168. 
  16. ↑ "Impart God’s Progressive Revelation to Mankind", The Watchtower, March 1, 1965, p. 158-159
  17. ↑ Penton 1997, pp. 165–171.
  18. ↑ Flashes of Light—Great and Small", The Watchtower, May 15, 1995, page 15.
  19. ↑ Jehovah's Witnesses, Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 709.
  20. ↑ "The Spirit Searches into the Deep Things of God", The Watchtower, July 15, 2010, page 23, "When the time comes to clarify a spiritual matter in our day, holy spirit helps responsible representatives of 'the faithful and discreet slave' at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood. The Governing Body as a whole considers adjusted explanations. What they learn, they publish for the benefit of all."
  21. ↑ Penton 1997, p. 165.
  22. ↑ J. F. Rutherdford, Preparation, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1933, page 64, 67, "Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings great peace and consolation to them. Again Zechariah talked with the angel of the Lord, which shows that the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones ... Those of the remnant, being honest and true, must say, We do not know; and the Lord enlightens them, sending his angels for that very purpose."
  23. ↑ "To Whom Shall We Go but Jesus Christ?", The Watchtower, March 1, 1979, pages 23-24.
  24. ↑ "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower, October 15, 1954, page 638.
  25. ↑ "Name and Purpose of The Watchtower", The Watchtower, August 15, 1950, page 263.
  26. ↑ Beckford, James A. (1975). The Trumpet of Prophecy: A Sociological Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. pp. 84, 89, 92, 119–120. ISBN 0631163107. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower April 1, 1986 pp. 30-31.
  28. ↑ "Make Your Advancement Manifest", The Watchtower, August 1, 2001, page 14, "Since oneness is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and the faithful and discreet slave."
  29. ↑ "Jehovah’s Theocratic Organization Today", Watchtower, February 1, 1952, pages 79, 80.
  30. ↑ Testimony by Fred Franz, Transcript, Lord Strachan vs. Douglas Walsh, 1954. page 123, as reproduced in R. Franz In Search of Christian Freedom, Q: "Did you imply that the individual member has the right of reading the books and the Bible and forming his own view as to the proper interpretation of Holy Writ? A" .... No."
  31. ↑ Holden 2002, p. 22.
  32. ↑ [http://socrel.oxfordjournals.org/content/56/4/351.full.pdf Ronald Lawson, "Sect-State Relations: Accounting for the Differing Trajectories of Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses", Sociology of Religion, 1995, 56:4 pg 371
  33. ↑ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. pp. 143, 153–165. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7. 
  34. ↑ "Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Organization?", The Watchtower, June 15, 1998.
  35. ↑ "The Visible Part of God’s Organization", The Watchtower, May 1, 1981.
  36. ↑ "Theocratic Organization with Which to Move Forward Now", The Watchtower, December 15, 1971, page 754.
  37. ↑ "Directing Interest to the Organization", Our Kingdom Ministry, March 1987, page 3.
  38. ↑ "Restoration of True Religion Today", The Watchtower, March 1, 1954, page 151.
  39. ↑ The Watchtower, October 1, 1967; cited in Penton 1997, p. 163.
  40. ↑ Franz 2007, p. 118.
  41. ↑ Holden 2002, p. 33.
  42. ↑ "Meeting the Challenge of Loyalty", The Watchtower, March 15, 1996, page 16.
  43. ↑ "Building Disciples Having the Quality of Endurance", The Watchtower, April 1, 1970, page 213.
  44. ↑ "Do Not Resist Jehovah’s Counsel", The Watchtower, July 15, 1965, page 435.
  45. ↑ "Loyalty to theocratic organization", Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1, 1953.
  46. ↑ "Serve Jehovah Loyally", The Watchtower, November 15, 1992, page 21.
  47. ↑ Franz 2002, p. 316.
  48. ↑ Franz 2007, p. 449.
  49. ↑ Franz 2007, pp. 449–464, "Loyalty to the organization becomes the touchstone, the criterion, the "bottom line", when it comes to determining whether one is a faithful Christian or not ... to make any organizational loyalty the criterion for judging anyone's Christianity is, then, clearly a perversion of Scripture ... Read the whole of those Scriptures ,,, nowehere are we taught to put faith in men or in an earthly organization, unquestioningly following its lead ... the entire Bible record is a continual reminder of the danger inherent in that kind of trust."
  50. ↑ Franz 2007, p. 458.
  51. ↑ Holden 2002, p. 121.
  52. ↑ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. pp. 156. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7. 
  53. ↑ Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, December 1, 1916, R6010: page 371.
  54. ↑ "Religion’s Future in View of Its Past", Awake!, October 22, 1989, p. 17.
  55. ↑ "Is religion at the root of Mankind's problem?", The Watchtower, February 15, 2004, page 5.
  56. ↑ Franz 2002, pp. 183–184.
  57. ↑ Reasoning from the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 203.
  58. ↑ Penton 1997, p. 172.
  59. ↑ All Scripture is Inspired of God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, page 336.
  60. ↑ "Obedience to the Good News a Way of Life", The Watchtower, October 15, 1977, page 618.
  61. ↑ Reasoning From The Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 199-208.
  62. ↑ "Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures—Which?", The Watchtower March 1, 1995, p. 19.
  63. ↑ "We Have Found the Messiah"!, The Watchtower, October 1, 1992, p. 10.
  64. ↑ United In Worship of the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1983, p. 111.
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 Holden 2002, p. 24.
  66. ↑ Should You Believe in the Trinity?, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 14, 20.
  67. ↑ Insight In The Scriptures volume 1, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, p. 969.
  68. ↑ "Is God Everywhere?", Awake! March 8, 1995, p. 21.
  69. ↑ "Eternal Torment — Why a Disturbing Doctrine?", The Watchtower, April 15, 1993, p. 5.
  70. ↑ "God’s Wisdom in Dealing with Mankind", Awake!, June 8, 1971, page 12.
  71. ↑ Penton 1997, p. 184.
  72. ↑ "Who Are Giving God Glory Today?", The Watchtower, October 1, 2004, page 12.
  73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 Franz 2007, p. 494
  74. ↑ Franz 2007, p. 489
  75. ↑ Insight On The Scriptures volume 2, p. 52 Jesus Christ
  76. ↑ Worship the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 2002, p. 184
  77. ↑ "What Do the Scriptures Say About 'the Divinity of Christ'?, The Watchtower January 15, 1992 p. 20-23.
  78. ↑ Jesus? The Ruler "Whose Origin Is From Early Times", The Watchtower, June 15, 1998, p. 22.
  79. ↑ Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace”, chap. 20 p. 163 par. 8 A Happy Human Family Under a New Fatherhood
  80. ↑ "Appreciate Jesus’ Unique Role in God’s Purpose", pages 13-14, The Watchtower, December 15, 2008, "The original-language word translated “mediator” is a legal term. It refers to Jesus as a legal Mediator (or, in a sense, an attorney) of the new covenant... What about those who are not in the new covenant, those who hope to live forever on earth, not in heaven? While not participants in the new covenant, these are beneficiaries of it. ... Whether we have a heavenly hope or an earthly hope, each one of us has good reason to appreciate Jesus’ role as the Mediator of the new covenant."
  81. ↑ Insight on the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, Vol 2, page 360.
  82. ↑ Penton 1997, pp. 188–189.
  83. ↑ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, August 15, 1989, p. 30.
  84. ↑ Is Jesus God Almighty? - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site
  85. ↑ Jesus' Family—Who Were They? The Watchtower December 15, 2003, p. 3
  86. ↑ "They Are No Part of the World". Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. p. 200. 
  87. ↑ Geocities.com
  88. ↑ What Does the Bible Really Teach?. Jehovah's Witnesses. 2005. pp. 51,201–204. 
  89. ↑ "European High Court Upholds Right to Preach in Greece". The Watchtower (Watchtower): 28–29. 1 September 1993. 
  90. ↑ "Poland". 1994 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watchtower. p. 206. 
  91. ↑ 91.0 91.1 "Declaration and resolution", The Watchtower, December 1, 1973, page 724.
  92. ↑ 92.0 92.1 92.2 Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. 1993. pp. 144–145. 
  93. ↑ What Does the Bible Really Teach?. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. 2005. p. 32. 
  94. ↑ What Does the Bible Really Teach?. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. 2005. pp. 87,216. 
  95. ↑ "What Has God’s Kingdom Been Doing Since 1914?", The Watchtower, October 15, 1966, page 617.
  96. ↑ The Government That Will Bring Paradise, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 3.
  97. ↑ Insight on the Scriptures,, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, Vol 1, page 310.
  98. ↑ Worship the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, page 6.
  99. ↑ Reasoning from the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, pages 225-234.
  100. ↑ "God’s Kingdom—Earth’s New Rulership", The Watchtower, October 15, 2000, page 10.
  101. ↑ You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 77.
  102. ↑ "Is There LIFE After Death?", The Watchtower July 15, 2001.
  103. ↑ Reasoning From The Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 333.
  104. ↑ "The Only Remedy!", The Watchtower March 15, 2006, p. 6.
  105. ↑ "Hell—Eternal Torture or Common Grave?" The Watchtower, April 15, 1993, p. 6.
  106. ↑ "Comfort for Those Who Mourn", Awake! May 8, 2002, p. 19.
  107. ↑ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, July 15, 2005, p. 31.
  108. ↑ Insight On The Scriptures, Vol 1, p. 906.
  109. ↑ "The Dead Who Are in Line for Resurrection", The Watchtower, February 1, 1965, p.76.
  110. ↑ "Satan Worship in Our Time", The Watchtower, September 1, 1988, p. 5.
  111. ↑ "What Is the Bible’s View? Mourning for the Dead", Awake!, December 8, 1974, pp. 26-28.
  112. ↑ "Jehovah Cares For You", The Watchtower, October 15, 2002, p. 15.
  113. ↑ Insight On The Scriptures, Vol 2, p. 733.
  114. ↑ "Do You Share Jehovah’s View of Sacred Things?", The Watchtower, November 1, 2006, p. 23.
  115. ↑ Jesus Saves—How?, The Watchtower November 15, 2001.
  116. ↑ "Keep Your Hope of Salvation Bright!", The Watchtower, June 1, 2000, p. 12.
  117. ↑ "Christian Works — What Do They Include?", The Watchtower, June 1, 1978, p. 29
  118. ↑ "Preaching in a Lawless World", The Watchtower, July 15, 1979, page 13, paragraph 4; cited in Penton 1997, p. 206.
  119. ↑ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. pp. 107. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7. 
  120. ↑ Keeping “Clean from the Blood of All Men”, The Watchtower, October 1, 1960, page 608.
  121. ↑ "Have No Fear, Little Flock", The Watchtower, February 15, 1995, p. 18-22.
  122. ↑ "A Great Crowd Rendering Sacred Service", The Watchtower February 1, 1995, p. 14-17.
  123. ↑ The Watchtower July 1, 1995 p. 21 par 17,18.
  124. ↑ "Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness", The Watchtower August 15, 1998 p. 20
  125. ↑ "The Only Remedy!", The Watchtower, March 15, 2006, p. 6.
  126. ↑ The Watchtower July 1, 1998, p. 19-24
  127. ↑ What Does The Bible Really Teach? Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, p. 73.
  128. ↑ "What God’s Kingdom Will Do.", The Watchtower, October 15, 2000 p. 19.
  129. ↑ Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, p. 292.
  130. ↑ What Does The Bible Really Teach?, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, p. 215 par. 2
  131. ↑ "Christ’s Presence—What Does It Mean to You?", The Watchtower, February 15, 2008, page 21.
  132. ↑ "Jesus’ Coming or Jesus’ Presence—Which?", The Watchtower, August 15, 1996, p. 12.
  133. ↑ The Watchtower, February 1, 1996, p6.
  134. ↑ "Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses say that God’s Kingdom was established in 1914?", Reasoning From the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 95-96.
  135. ↑ Gruss, Edmond C. (1972). The Jehovah's Witnesses and Prophetic Speculation. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co. pp. 20–58. ISBN 0-87552-306-4. 
  136. ↑ Let Your Kingdom Come, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 1981, pp. 186-189 Appendix to Chapter 14.
  137. ↑ What Does The Bible Really Teach?, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, pp. 217-218.
  138. ↑ The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1981, pg 86.
  139. ↑ True Peace and Security—How Can You Find It?, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1986, pp 81-84.
  140. ↑ "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come." - Matthew 24:14.
  141. ↑ The Watchtower, October 15, 2000, p11.
  142. ↑ Awake!, October 22, 1993, p. 11.
  143. ↑ Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, page 102-104.
  144. ↑ "Deliverance by God’s Kingdom Is at Hand!", The Watchtower, May 15, 2008, page 15.
  145. ↑ Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, pages 235-236.
  146. ↑ "Apocalypse—When?", The Watchtower, February 15, 1986, page 6.
  147. ↑ Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, page 286.
  148. ↑ The Watchtower, September 1, 1959, pp. 530-531 par. 15.
  149. ↑ Armageddon—A Happy Beginning Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site
  150. ↑ Penton 1997, p. 180.
  151. ↑ The Watchtower, May 15, 2006, p 6.
  152. ↑ Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 2, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988,p. 788.
  153. ↑ The Watchtower, May 1, 2005, p. 20.
  154. ↑ The Watchtower, August 15, 2006, p. 31
  155. ↑ Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy!, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2006, pp. 94,95.
  156. ↑ 156.0 156.1 Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, July 1, 1984, page 31.
  157. ↑ 157.0 157.1 157.2 Holden 2002, pp. 150–170.
  158. ↑ 158.0 158.1 "Disfellowshiping—How to View It", The Watchtower, September 15, 1981, page 23.
  159. ↑ 159.0 159.1 Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, July 15, 1985, page 31.
  160. ↑ 160.0 160.1 Reasoning From the Scriptures, pages 34-35.
  161. ↑ 161.0 161.1 161.2 161.3 Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, July 15, 1985, page 30-31.
  162. ↑ Pay Attention To Yourselves and to All the Flock, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, pages 94-95.
  163. ↑ 163.0 163.1 163.2 "Remain Solid in the Faith", The Watchtower, August 1, 1980, pages 17-21.
  164. ↑ "At Which Table Are You Feeding", he Watchtower, July 1, 1994, pages 11-12.
  165. ↑ "Why So Many Christian Sects?" The Watchtower, March 15, 1975, page 167.
  166. ↑ "Search Through Me, Oh God," The Watchtower, October 1, 1993, page 19.
  167. ↑ "Remain Without Spot From the World", The Watchtower, October 1, 1984, p. 17 par. 10.
  168. ↑ "Repudiate Valueless Things", The Watchtower, April 15, 2008, page 4.
  169. ↑ "Parents—What Future Do You Want for Your Children?", The Watchtower, October 1, 2005, pages 26-29.
  170. ↑ 170.0 170.1 Holden 2002, p. 135.
  171. ↑ "Parents—What Future Do You Want for Your Children?", The Watchtower, October 1, 2005, p. 26-31.
  172. ↑ Penton 1997, pp. 314–315.

Bibliography

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