Article Added On: June 17, 2004 - over 3 years ago
Title: Jehovah's Witnesses (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Canada)
Publication Date: January 01, 1998 - over 10 years ago
Faith Groups: Other
Description: General information and frequently asked questions about this organization.
The modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses began toward the end of the 19th century with a small group of Bible students near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1879 they began publishing the Bible journal now called The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom. It is published in more than 140 languages and is the world's most widely circulated religious magazine. The name Jehovah's Witness was adopted in 1931. Previously, they were known as International Bible Students.
Jehovah's Witnesses are members of a worldwide Christian religion who actively share with others information about God, whose name is Jehovah, and about his Son, Jesus Christ. They base their beliefs solely on the principles found in the Holy Bible and view first-century Christianity as their model. They believe that in addition to drawing one closer to God, living by Bible principles gives purpose to life, promotes strong family ties, and develops productive and honest citizens.
The worldwide organization, comprised of 111 branch offices, is directed by an unpaid, multinational governing body serving at the international offices in Brooklyn, New York. It uses the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, a not-for-profit legal body incorporated in 1884, to publish literature, supervise global evangelizing, and organize conventions and schools for the ministry of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Worldwide there are about 6 million members in some 93,000 congregations in 235 lands. There are about 110,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in Canada, and over 3,200 in Manitoba in some 49 congregations.
Religious Services
Jehovah's Witnesses meet together for religious services that include many of the activities associated with other religions. They sing songs, pray, and read from the entire Bible. Qualified members provide instruction based on the Scriptures and its application to daily living. The tone of the meetings is dignified and reverential.
In addition to their weekly meetings for Bible education, Witnesses attend weekend assemblies twice each year. In addition, each year, they attend a larger three- or four-day Bible education convention. The public is warmly welcomed to attend any of their meetings throughout the year.
Beliefs: Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jehovah's Witnesses mean?
Jehovah is the personal name of God, as found in the Bible. A witness is a person who relates facts from direct personal knowledge or proclaims views or truths of which he is convinced. Thus, the name Jehovah's Witnesses designates an organized group of Christians who proclaim the truth that Jehovah is a loving and just God, deserving of our love and obedience. They do this by sharing what they have learned from the Bible with friends and neighbors. Isaiah 43:10-12.
Are they Christians?
Yes. We follow Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and put faith in the ransom sacrifice he provided for the salvation of mankind. We imitate his example in preaching and teaching and in our dealings with fellow humans. We also look forward to living in true peace on earth under his heavenly Kingdom.
Why don't Jehovah's Witnesses accept blood transfusions?
We follow the Bible command, found at Acts chapter 15, verse 20, Acts chapter 21, verse 25, and elsewhere, that Christians must "abstain from . . . blood." Jehovah's Witnesses request the use of nonblood medical alternatives, which are widely accepted and used by the medical community.
Do they shun former members?
Those who simply cease to be involved in the faith are not shunned. In compliance with the Scriptures, however, members can be expelled for serious unchristian conduct, such as stealing, drunkenness, or adultery, if they do not repent and cease such actions. Disfellowshipping does not sever family ties. Disfellowshipped members may continue to attend religious services, and if they wish, they may receive pastoral visits. They are always welcome to return to the faith. 1 Corinthians 5:11-13.
Are they fundamentalists?
While we have strong religious convictions, we are not fundamentalists in the sense that the term has come to be used. We do not believe that every passage in the Bible is to be interpreted literally. We do not pressure political leaders to promote a certain point of view, nor do we resort to demonstrations and violence against those who disagree with us. The Bible teaches Christians to be kind, good, mild, and reasonable qualities that do not allow for the kind of fanaticism that is sometimes associated with fundamentalism. James 3:17.
Why do they go from door to door?
Jesus told his followers to "make disciples of people of all the nations," and he set the example by "journeying from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God." The apostle Paul taught in public places, in the marketplace, and from house to house. We follow their example. Other religions have acknowledged the Christian obligation to preach in public places and from house to house, although this is often left to a limited group of missionaries or clergy to fulfill. Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; Luke 8:1; Acts 20:20.
Why do they continue to call on people who are not interested in their faith?
We do not force our message on others but recognize that people's circumstances change. They move. They may be too busy to listen one day but will gladly take the time another day. One member of a household may not be interested, but others may be. People may have new problems or situations to deal with, stimulating a spiritual interest that was not there before.
Do they believe that they are the only ones who will be saved?
No. Many millions who have lived in centuries past and who were not Jehovah's Witnesses will come back in a resurrection and have an opportunity for life. Many now living may yet take a stand for truth and righteousness before God's time of judgment, and they will gain salvation. Moreover, Jesus said that we should not be judging one another. Humans look at the outward appearance; God looks at the heart. He sees accurately and judges mercifully. God has committed judgment into Jesus' hands, not ours. Matthew 7:1-5; John 5:22, 27.
Why don't they celebrate holidays?
We commemorate the Memorial of Christ's death, the most important religious event of the year for Jehovah's Witnesses. Throughout the year, Jehovah's Witnesses enjoy parties, picnics, and other events without feeling bound to obligations or to a fixed date. We may also celebrate special events such as weddings and anniversaries. However, we do not celebrate holidays that have non-Christian religious origins or those that promote nationalism. We are not opposed to celebrations in general or to the giving of gifts.
How are they funded?
Primarily by voluntary donations from Jehovah's Witnesses. No collections are taken at our meetings, and members are not required to tithe. Clearly marked contribution boxes are provided in all meeting places for voluntary donations, which remain anonymous. Expenses are manageable, as there are no paid clergy and the meeting places are modest. Donations forwarded to the nearest branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses are used for disaster relief, support for missionaries and traveling ministers, construction of houses of worship, and the printing and shipping of Bibles and Christian publications. It is a personal decision to donate, whether toward local expenses, worldwide expenses, or both. Financial reports are regularly given for the information of the entire congregation.
Beliefs: Family Life
Jehovah's Witnesses view marriage as a serious, lifelong commitment. They look to the Bible for guidance in resolving marital problems in a loving and respectful way. Scripturally, divorce may be obtained on the grounds of marital unfaithfulness. Separation is acceptable in extreme situations, such as those involving willful nonsupport or physical abuse. Whether to separate or not is the personal decision of the wronged mate. Matthew 19:6, 9; Ephesians 5:33.
Birth Control
This is a matter of personal choice.
Children
Parents are to love their children. They also have the primary responsibility of providing for the physical, emotional, recreational, and spiritual needs of their children. Parents should teach their children Scriptural values and provide loving discipline. The Bible does not condone harsh physical punishment. Deuteronomy 6:6, 7; Ephesians 6:4.
Interfaith Marriage
Marriage mates with different religions are encouraged to treat each other with tolerance and respect. Children should be given the opportunity to learn about the religious views of both parents. 1 Corinthians 7:12-14.
Beliefs: God, Man and the Future
The Bible
It is God's infallible, inspired Word, upon which Jehovah's Witnesses base all their beliefs. Some portions of the Bible are to be understood figuratively, or symbolically. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Revelation 1:1.
God
Jehovah is the name of the only true God, the Creator of all things. As such, he is worthy of our worship and devotion. His outstanding qualities are love, justice, wisdom, and power. Psalm 83:18; 1 John 4:8; Revelation 4:11.
Jesus
He is the Son of God. He came to earth from heaven and gave his perfect human life as a ransom sacrifice. His death and resurrection made salvation to eternal life possible for those exercising faith in him. He is now ruling as King of God's heavenly Kingdom, which will soon bring peace to the entire earth. Jesus never claimed equality with God and thus is not part of a Trinity. John 3:16; 14:28; Revelation 11:15.
Sin and Death
Death is a result of sin inherited from the first man, Adam, who chose to disobey God. The original sin was not sex relations but was the deliberate disobedient act of eating of "the tree of the knowledge of good and bad." The dead are conscious of nothing. In the future, God through Jesus will resurrect the dead. Genesis 2:17; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; John 11:25; Romans 5:12.
Worship
True worship emphasizes, not ritual and outward show, but spirit and truth. It is characterized by genuine love for God, obedience to his commandments, and love for one's fellowman. Jehovah's Witnesses do not use religious symbols, such as the cross, in their worship. Matthew 22:37-39; John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 10:14.
God's Kingdom
It is the heavenly Kingdom for which Jesus taught all his followers to pray. Soon it will become the one government over all the earth and will solve mankind's pressing problems. The Bible does not give a date for these events, but it provides evidence to show that we are living in "the last days" of this troubled world. 2 Timothy 3:1-5; Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10; 24:3-8, 36.
Judgment
Jesus is God's appointed Judge who determines what each one's future will be. Those judged righteous will be given everlasting life on a paradise earth. Those judged unrighteous will not be tormented but will die and cease to exist. Humans are not responsible for this judgment, nor will they be involved when God takes action to remove all wickedness from the earth. Proverbs 2:21, 22; John 5:22; Acts 17:30, 31; Revelation 21:3, 4.
Earth
The earth will never be destroyed or depopulated but will become a peaceful paradise. Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 45:18; Luke 23:43.
Beliefs: Medical Treatment
Medical Care
Jehovah's Witnesses actively seek medical care when needed, and many work in the health- care field. They accept the vast majority of treatments available today. Luke 5:31.
Abortion
Life begins at conception. Deliberately induced abortion is viewed as the willful taking of human life. Exodus 21:22, 23.
Blood Transfusion
Christians are commanded to "abstain from . . . blood." Since the Bible makes no clear statement about the use of minor blood fractions or the immediate reinfusion of a patient's own blood during surgery, a medical process known as blood salvaging, the use of such treatments is a matter of personal choice. Jehovah's Witnesses accept reliable nonblood medical alternatives, which are increasingly recognized in the medical field. Acts 15:19, 20, 28, 29; compare Genesis 9:3, 4; Leviticus 17:10-14.
Faith Healing
Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in faith healing as commonly practiced today. Jesus and his apostles performed miraculous healings, but the Bible makes it clear that these were first- century phenomena and not an ongoing feature of Christianity. 1 Corinthians 12:30; 13:8.
Organ Transplant
Agreeing to an organ transplant or organ donation is a personal decision.
Prolongation of Life
The Bible does not require that extraordinary, complicated, or distressing measures be taken to sustain a person if this would merely prolong the dying process. Any advance directives by the patient should be respected.
Vaccines
Jehovah's Witnesses have no objection to vaccines in general. Some vaccines contain minor blood fractions, and use of these is a matter of personal choice.
Beliefs: Membership and Organization
Baptism
This act symbolizes one's dedication to God and is taken by those of responsible age who have made an informed decision. Baptism is by complete water immersion.
Organization
Following the model of first-century Christianity, Jehovah's Witnesses have no clergy-laity division. All baptized members are ordained ministers and share in the preaching and teaching work. Witnesses are organized into congregations of up to 200 members. Spiritually mature men in each congregation serve as elders. A body of elders supervises each congregation. About 20 congregations form a circuit, and about 10 circuits are grouped into a district. Congregations receive periodic visits from traveling elders. Guidance and instructions are provided by a multinational governing body made up of longtime Witnesses who currently serve at the international offices of Jehovah's Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York. Acts 15:23-29; 1 Timothy 3:1-7.
Conscience
Jehovah's Witnesses avoid making rules and regulations beyond those provided in the Scriptures, and they do not follow traditions that contradict Bible teachings. Emphasis is placed on personal application of Bible principles and the value of a sound, Bible-based conscience. Matthew 15:9; 2 Corinthians 1:24.
Beliefs: Role in Society
Respect for Authority
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is their Christian responsibility to be model citizens. For this reason, they honor and respect governmental authority. Only on those rare occasions when a government demands what is in direct conflict with what God commands do Jehovah's Witnesses decline to comply. Their publications and public ministry encourage everyone to be law- abiding. Matthew 22:17-21; Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1-7.
Relationship to Society
Jehovah's Witnesses are found at all levels of society, and they do not physically separate themselves from those who do not share their beliefs. They live, work, and go to school with people of different religious beliefs, and they enjoy cordial relationships with them. Jehovah's Witnesses follow Jesus' example of being "no part of the world" by avoiding the unchristian prejudices and controversies that divide mankind today. Although not ascetics, they avoid being excessive in the pursuit of wealth, pleasure, or prominence. John 17:15, 16; 1 John 2:15, 16.
Neutrality
Following the examples set by Jesus and first-century Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses do not share in the politics or wars of any nation. Their stand of Christian neutrality is well documented in history. They firmly believe that they must "beat their swords into plowshares" and not "learn war anymore." (Isaiah 2:4) At the same time, Jehovah's Witnesses recognize the authority of nations to raise armies and defend themselves, and they do not interfere with what others choose to do. John 18:36.
Suggested Reading For Further Information
The Watchtower
This 32-page magazine, the principal journal for Jehovah's Witnesses, keeps watch on world events as these fulfill Bible prophecy. Its purpose is to comfort all people with the good news that God's Kingdom will bring the solution to today's troubles. It is published semimonthly and is used in weekly Bible study discussions within local congregations.
Awake!
A 32-page, semimonthly international newsmagazine published for the enlightenment of the entire family. It reports the news, examines religion and science, and shows how to cope with today's problems. Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful, secure new world.
Jehovah's Witnesses Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993)
A candid, impartial look into the past and modern-day history of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life (1995)
This 192-page study manual is most frequently used in the free home Bible study program designed to help people acquire a basic knowledge of God and the Bible.
Questions Young People Ask, Answers That Work (1989)
This 320-page publication contains answers to frequently asked questions posed by young people. Scriptural principles, along with current research findings of sociologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals, are highlighted to assist youngsters, young adults, parents, and teachers to reason on and resolve various dilemmas young people encounter.
Jehovah's Witnesses The Organization Behind the Name (1990)
Videotape: An information video that provides a brief look at who Jehovah's Witnesses are, how their work is coordinated, and what is the source and purpose of the Bible-based publications they distribute.
