Despite Jehovah’s Witnesses’ well-known door-to-door ministry and publications like The Watchtower, many people are unaware of its internal community life, beliefs, and rituals. Since its founding in the late 19th century, this religious organisation has grown to become a worldwide institution with millions of adherents. In attempt to paint a clear and complex picture of a religion that is frequently misinterpreted, this article will examine the fundamental ideas, background, day-to-day activities, and issues surrounding Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Historical Background
Charles Taze Russell founded a Bible study group in Pennsylvania in the 1870s, which marked the beginning of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Russell and his supporters were dissatisfied with traditional Christian doctrine and wanted to get back to what they considered to be the main principles found in the Bible. As their movement grew, they founded the Watch Tower Tract Society in Zion in 1881. This organization’s last name was the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, which continues to be the main publishing and administrative organisation for Jehovah’s Witnesses today.
The organisation changed its name to “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in 1931 to set it apart from earlier Bible Student groups. The name represents their desire to bear witness to God and His purposes and refers to God’s personal name, “Jehovah,” which is a transcription of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton YHWH.
Theology and Foundational Ideas
Strict obedience to the Bible, which they see as the inspired and infallible word of God, lies at the heart of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs. However, they have a very different understanding of the Bible than the majority of Christian churches.
Jesus and God
Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the idea of the Trinity and hold that there is only one true God, Jehovah. They do not see Jesus Christ as Jehovah’s equal or co-eternal, despite the fact that they accept him as the Son of God and God’s first creation. According to popular belief, Jesus was a perfect human being who gave his life to save humanity.
God’s Kingdom
Belief in God’s Kingdom, a real heavenly kingdom headed by Jesus, is one of their core theological beliefs. They assert that we are in the “last days” leading up to God’s final judgement and the creation of a paradise on earth, and that Jesus has been ruling secretly from heaven since 1914.
Judgement and Salvation
According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, salvation is attained via fervently following God’s commands, trusting in Jesus, and practicing one’s faith. They deny the existence of an immortal soul and hell as a place of never-ending agony. They believe that in the hereafter’s paradise, where the wicked will be vanquished, both the good and many of the bad will rise from the grave.
Worship and Traditions
Jehovah’s Witnesses can sometimes be identified from the general population by their lifestyle due to their doctrinal views. They incorporate congregational meetings, public sermons, and individual Bible study into their worship.
Meetings and Worship
Kingdom Halls are the places of worship for Jehovah’s Witnesses, and they are where they usually congregate. The low-key services include prayer, singing, Bible readings, and discussions of Watchtower articles. In place of professional clergy, elders and ministerial servants—all volunteers—take on leadership responsibilities.
The most noticeable aspect of Jehovah’s Witnesses is perhaps their door-to-door evangelism. Members believe that the Bible commands us to share the good news of God’s Kingdom. This ministry is systematic, well-run, and usually entails hours of monthly volunteer preaching.
Baptism and Membership
A Jehovah’s Witness requires a great deal of study and commitment. Complete immersion is required for baptism, which is a public demonstration of one’s devotion to Jehovah. After being baptised, members are required to uphold the highest moral standards and participate actively in congregational life.
Community and Lifestyle
The relatively unusual style of life of Jehovah’s Witnesses is based on strong moral and behavioural norms.
Moral Conduct
Members are expected to abstain from premarital sex, heavy drinking, gambling, smoking, and homosexuality. The virtues of modesty, honesty, and humility are emphasised. Noncompliance with these rules may result in disciplinary action, such as excommunication or disfellowshipping.
Work and Learning
Though they frequently prioritise spiritual goals above academic or professional ones, Jehovah’s Witnesses are not opposed to education. Some choose to focus on their ministerial responsibilities rather than pursue further education.
