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| The '''beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses''' are based on the ] teachings of its founder, ] and his successors, ] and ]. Since 1976 they have also been based on decisions made at closed meetings of the religion's ].<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2002|p=106}}.</ref><ref>''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."</ref> These teachings are disseminated through '']'' magazine and other ], and at conventions and congregation meetings. Members of the religion are expected to adhere to all such doctrines without <!-- See ] -->criticism or dissent.<!-- Adhering to doctrine is different from adhering to a viewpoint. {{Request quotation|date=June 2009}} --><ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=10, 22, 158, 163}}.</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=124-125, 296-298}}.</ref> | |||
| ] 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,<ref name="The Watchtower 1989, page 19">"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."</ref><ref>''Worship the Only True God'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, page 179.</ref> and creating a cleansed society of true worshipers. They see their mission as primarily evangelical (disseminating "good news"), proselytizing to as many converts as possible in the remaining time before Armageddon.<ref>"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."</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=7}}.</ref> All members of the religion are expected to take an active part in preaching what they term "the truth".<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=71}}.</ref> | |||
| They endeavor to remain separate from secular society, which is regarded as a place of moral contamination and under the control of ] the Devil, refusing any political and military activity and limiting social contact with non-Witnesses.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=7, 109-112}}.</ref> Members practice a strict moral code, forbidding adultery, premarital sex and homosexuality. Drug abuse, smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol are prohibited, as are blood transfusions.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=26, 28}}.</ref> Discipline within congregations is maintained by a system of judicial committees, which have the power to expel members who breach organizational rules and demand their shunning by other Witnesses.<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=90}}.</ref> The threat of shunning also serves to deter other members from dissident behavior.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=163}}.</ref><ref>"Make Wise Use of Your Christian Freedom", ''The Watchtower'', June 1, 1992, page 18.</ref> | |||
| Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jehovah's Witnesses alone represent true Christianity and for that reason they refuse all ] relations with other religious denominations.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=1}}.</ref> Members are expected to attend all congregation meetings, as well as regular large-scale conventions, which are highly structured and based on material from Watch Tower publications.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=66-68}}.</ref> | |||
| ==Beliefs== | |||
| ===Source of doctrines=== | |||
| Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the ], which assumes responsibility for interpreting and applying scripture. The Governing Body is described as the "spokesman" for God's "] class" (the approximately 10,000 remaining "]" Jehovah's Witnesses), although in practice it seeks neither advice nor approval from any "anointed" Witnesses other than high-ranking members at Brooklyn ] when making decisions or when producing material for publications and conventions.<ref>{{cite book|title=You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth|publisher=Watchtower Society|date=1989|page=195}}</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=153}}.</ref><ref name=scf15264>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|pp=152–164}}.</ref> All members 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 reached through independent Bible research.<ref name="w89_0401_1">"Questions From Readers", ''The Watchtower'' April 1, 1986 pp. 30-31.</ref><ref>"Jehovah’s Theocratic Organization Today", ''Watchtower'', February 1, 1952, pages 79, 80.</ref><ref>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."</ref> Members who promote privately-developed teachings contrary to those of the Governing Body may be expelled.<ref name="w89_0401_1" /><ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=22}}.</ref><ref>{{cite book| last = Botting| first = Heather| coauthors = Gary Botting| title = The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses| publisher = University of Toronto Press| date = 1984| pages = 143,153–165| isbn = 0-8020-6545-7}}</ref> | |||
| ===Organization=== | |||
| Jehovah's Witness doctrines are underpinned by a belief that God employs and directs an organization on Earth and deals with humanity only through that organization. The organization is identified as the "worldwide association" of Jehovah's Witnesses,<ref>''1990 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, page 4.</ref> functioning under the direction of the Watch Tower Society.<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=449}}.</ref><ref>"Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Organization?", ''The Watchtower'', June 15, 1998.</ref><ref>"The Visible Part of God’s Organization", ''The Watchtower'', May 1, 1981.</ref> The organization is said to be theocratic, "ruled from the divine Top down, and not from the rank and file up".<ref>"Theocratic Organization with Which to Move Forward Now", ''The Watchtower'', December 15, 1971, page 754.</ref> All people not in God's organization are said to be members of Satan's organization.<ref>"Directing Interest to the Organization", ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', March 1987, page 3.</ref><ref>"Restoration of True Religion Today", ''The Watchtower'', March 1, 1954, page 151.</ref> 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".<ref>''The Watchtower'', October 1, 1967; cited in {{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=163}}.</ref> | |||
| Witnesses undergoing baptism are required to publicly confirm that they are associating themselves "with God's spirit-directed organization",<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=118}}.</ref> thereby submitting themselves to its direction and judicial system.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=32}}.</ref> Watch Tower publications urge Witnesses to demonstrate loyalty to the organization without dissent,<ref>"Meeting the Challenge of Loyalty", ''The Watchtower'', March 15, 1996, page 16.</ref><ref>"Building Disciples Having the Quality of Endurance", ''The Watchtower'', April 1, 1970, page 213.</ref> even at the cost of family ties.<ref>"Do Not Resist Jehovah’s Counsel", ''The Watchtower'', July 15, 1965, page 435.</ref> Loyalty to the organization is said to require a full involvement in public preaching<ref>"Loyalty to theocratic organization", ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', November 1, 1953.</ref> and regular meeting attendance.<ref>"Serve Jehovah Loyally", ''The Watchtower'', November 15, 1992, page 21.</ref> | |||
| When a ] committee investigating high-level members at the religion's Brooklyn headquarters in a 1980 purge of dissidents issued a summary of "wrong teachings" being promoted as "new understandings", its first item of concern was the suggestion that God did not have an organization on Earth.<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2002|p=316}}.</ref> Former Governing Body member ], who was expelled as part of the purge, has subsequently criticized the Watch Tower concept of organization, which posits that God does not deal with individuals apart from an organization.<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=449}}.</ref> Franz claims the concept has no scriptural support and serves only to reinforce the religion's authority structure, with its strong emphasis on human authority. He has claimed ''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.<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=458}}.</ref> Sociologist Andrew Holden has observed that Witnesses see no distinction between loyalty to Jehovah and to the movement itself<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=121}}.</ref> and other researchers have claimed that challenging the views of those higher up the hierarchical ladder is regarded as tantamount to challenging God himself.<ref>{{cite book| last = Botting| first = Heather| coauthors = Gary Botting| title = The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses| publisher = University of Toronto Press| date = 1984| pages = 156| isbn = 0-8020-6545-7}}</ref> | |||
| ===Restoration of "true" Christianity=== | |||
| Witnesses believe that after the death of the ], the ] embarked on a "]", diverging from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. Influenced by ] in the 19th century, ] and his associates formed a ] study group in the 1870s in ], ], developing teachings that they considered to be a revival of "the great truths taught by Jesus and the Apostles",<ref></ref> in what the Watch Tower Society today says was a return to original Christianity.<ref>"Religion’s Future in View of Its Past", ''Awake!'', October 22, 1989, p. 17.</ref> Although many of their fundamental teachings have changed over the years,<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2002|pp=183-184}}.</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently claimed to be the only true religion.<ref>''Reasoning from the Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 203.</ref> | |||
| {{See also|History of Jehovah's Witnesses}} | |||
| {{See also|Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine}} | |||
| ===Bible=== | |||
| The entire Protestant ] is seen as the inspired, inerrant word of God.<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=172}}.</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses accept the Bible as scientifically and historically accurate and reliable<ref>''All Scripture is Inspired of God'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, page 336.</ref> and interpret much of it literally, while also accepting it contains much symbolism.<ref>''All Scripture is Inspired of God'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, page 9.</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses base all of their beliefs on the Bible, as interpreted by the Governing Body.<ref>''Reasoning From The Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 199-208.</ref> | |||
| 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.<ref>"Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures—Which?", ''The Watchtower'' March 1, 1995, p. 19.</ref> They believe that the Hebrew Scriptures (]) contain ] that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ,<ref>"We Have Found the Messiah"!, ''The Watchtower'', October 1, 1992, p. 10.</ref> and that the books of the Christian Greek Scriptures (]) are primarily directed to the ] chosen by God for life in heaven.<ref>''United In Worship of the Only True God'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1983, p. 111.</ref> The Watch Tower Society's '']'', which Witnesses use almost exclusively, reflects their view that God's name, as represented by the ], should be rendered as "]", in the tradition of earlier versions of the ], rather than "God" or "Lord". They also accept the usage "]". | |||
| ===God=== | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the creator and supreme being. Witnesses reject the ] doctrine, which they consider unscriptural.<ref name=holdennaturegod>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=24}}.</ref> They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit "person", and therefore separate from the Son, Jesus Christ. The ] is described as God's active force, rather than the third person of the ].<ref>''Should You Believe in the Trinity?'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 14, 20.</ref> They say he is "infinite, but approachable". He is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven.<ref>''Insight In The Scriptures'' volume 1, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, p. 969.</ref> They believe it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend;<ref>"Is God Everywhere?", ''Awake!'' March 8, 1995, p. 21.</ref> that God is kind and merciful, and would not eternally "torture" wicked people.<ref>"Eternal Torment — Why a Disturbing Doctrine?", ''The Watchtower'', April 15, 1993, p. 5. </ref> 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.<ref>"God’s Wisdom in Dealing with Mankind", ''Awake!'', June 8, 1971, page 12.</ref> | |||
| Witnesses teach that the Almighty God must be distinguished by his personal name – ], as it was rendered in the ]. The name is a common modern representation of the Hebrew ], or four-letter name of the Eternal, which is YHWH.<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=184}}.</ref> The use of his personal name is regarded as vital for true worship<ref>"Who Are Giving God Glory Today?", ''The Watchtower'', October 1, 2004, page 12.</ref> and Witnesses rarely speak of "God" without prefacing the term with the name "Jehovah".<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=494}}</ref> The term "Lord", although common in the Bible, is rarely used by Witnesses when speaking about God.<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=494}}.</ref> Because no other religion uses the name "Jehovah" with the same prevalence, they believe their religion alone is making God's name known in harmony with scriptures such as John 17:6.<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=489}}</ref><!--Matthew 6:9 says nothing about making God's name known--> | |||
| ===Jesus Christ=== | |||
| ] is acknowledged as God's "only begotten" Son. As such, he began his life in heaven.<ref>''Insight On The Scriptures'' volume 2, p. 52 Jesus Christ</ref> He is described as God's first creation and the "exact representation of God",<ref>''Worship the Only True God'', Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 2002, p. 184</ref> 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.<ref>"What Do the Scriptures Say About 'the Divinity of Christ'?, ''The Watchtower'' January 15, 1992 p. 20-23.</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is also known in the Bible as the ] and "the Word," of John 1:1 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, ].<ref>Jesus? The Ruler "Whose Origin Is From Early Times", ''The Watchtower'', June 15, 1998, p. 22.</ref> While on earth, Jesus was executed as a sacrifice to atone for mankind's sins. He ultimately becomes "eternal father" to the human family.<ref>''Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace”'', chap. 20 p. 163 par. 8 A Happy Human Family Under a New Fatherhood</ref> | |||
| 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"<!-- Should be obvious this quotes Hebrews 9:15 and 12:24 from NWT --><ref>"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."</ref> referred to in Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, and Hebrews 9:15; 12:24, directly mediating <!-- The word "directly" clarifies what JWs actually believe. Removing "directly" only obfuscates what JWs actually believe. -->only for those going to heaven (the 144,000). Those with an earthly hope, and who therefore have no mediator, are said to be beneficiaries of that covenant.<ref>''Insight on the Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, Vol 2, page 360.</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=188-189}}.</ref><ref>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', August 15, 1989, p. 30.</ref> Jesus remains subordinate to God even in all his heavenly glory.<ref></ref> Witnesses reject the doctrine of the ] of ], who they believe bore more children after Jesus.<ref>Jesus' Family-Who Were They? ''The Watchtower'' December 15, 2003, p. 3</ref> | |||
| ===Cross=== | |||
| The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society used the ] symbol on tombstones, and on its publications until 1931. <ref>{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|page=200|chapter=They Are No Part of the World}}</ref><ref>http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2919/russ3.html</ref> Since 1936, Jehovah's Witnesses have rejected the idea that Jesus died on a cross, and instead teach that he died on a ], asserting that the Koiné Greek word ''σταυρος'' ''stauros'' refers to a single upright post. They view the cross to be of pagan origins and an object of idol worship.<ref>{{cite book|title=What Does the Bible Really Teach?|year=2005|pages=51,201–204|publisher=Jehovah's Witnesses}}</ref> Some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted or killed for not bowing down to or kissing a cross.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=The Watchtower|title=European High Court Upholds Right to Preach in Greece|pages=28–29|date=1 Septebmer 1993|publisher=Watchtower}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=1994 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses|chapter=Poland|page=206|publisher=Watchtower}}</ref> | |||
| ===Satan=== | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses believe that ] is God's chief adversary<ref>"Declaration and resolution", ''The Watchtower'', December 1, 1973, page 724.</ref> and the invisible ruler of the world.<ref name="proclaimers144">{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|year=1993|publisher=Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society|pages=144–145}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=What Does the Bible Really Teach?|year=2005|page=32|publisher=Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society}}</ref> He was at one time 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"<ref>"Declaration and resolution", ''The Watchtower'', December 1, 1973, page 724.</ref> – of whether people, having been granted freedom of 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.<ref name="proclaimers144"/> 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.<ref name=holdennaturegod/> Watch Tower publications teach that Satan misleads people on Earth, and that he and the demons are the reason for distress on the earth. Satan and his demons are said to have been cast down to earth from heaven in 1914, marking the beginning of the the "]".<ref name="proclaimers144"/><ref>{{cite book|title=What Does the Bible Really Teach?|year=2005|publisher=Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society|pages=87,216}}</ref> | |||
| ===God's messianic Kingdom=== | |||
| Witness publications teach that God's Kingdom is a government in heaven, ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 people drawn from the Earth.<ref>''The Government That Will Bring Paradise'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 3.</ref> The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the Earth,<ref>''Insight on the Scriptures,'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, Vol 1, page 310.</ref><ref>''Worship the Only True God'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, page 6.</ref> bringing about a world free of crime, sickness, death and poverty, ultimately transforming the Earth into a paradise.<ref>''Reasoning from the Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, pages 225-234.</ref> The kingdom is said to have been the focal point of Jesus' ministry on Earth<ref>"God’s Kingdom—Earth’s New Rulership", ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 2000, page 10.</ref> and was established in 1914.<ref>"What Has God’s Kingdom Been Doing Since 1914?", ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 1966, page 617.</ref> | |||
| ===Eschatology=== | |||
| {{Main|Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses}} | |||
| A central teaching of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the current world era, or "system of things", entered its "]" in 1914 and faces 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 ] of false religion, which they identify as "]", or the "harlot", of ] 17.<ref>''Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, pages 235-236.</ref> This development will mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation.<ref>"Apocalypse—When?", ''The Watchtower'', February 15, 1986, page 6.</ref> Satan will subsequently attack Jehovah's Witnesses, an action that will prompt God to begin the war of ], during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Christ's "sheep", or true followers, will be destroyed.<ref>''Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, page 286.</ref> After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth,<ref>''The Watchtower'', September 1, 1959, pp. 530-531 par. 15.</ref><ref></ref> which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the ].<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=180}}.</ref> | |||
| Witnesses believe that after Armageddon, most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for ] referred to in Revelation 20.<ref>''The Watchtower'', May 15, 2006, p 6.</ref> This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection, not on past deeds.<ref>''Insight on the Scriptures,'' Vol. 2, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988,p. 788.</ref> At the end of the thousand years a final test will take place when Satan is brought back to mislead perfect mankind.<ref>''The Watchtower'', May 1, 2005, p. 20.</ref> The end result will be a fully tested, glorified human race.<ref>''The Watchtower'', August 15, 2006, p. 31</ref> | |||
| Christ will then hand all authority back to God.<ref>''Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy!'', Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2006, pp. 94,95.</ref> | |||
| Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ returned invisibly and began to rule in heaven as king in October 1914. The resulting ouster of Satan from heaven to the earth has brought a period of "woe" to mankind, as prophesied in Revelation 12.<ref>''The Watchtower'', February 1, 1996, p6.</ref> They assert that the Greek word ''parousia'' (translated in most English Bible translations as "coming" when referring to Christ) is more accurately rendered as "presence," with his return perceived only as a series of "signs". Thus this ] would be an invisible presence, lasting for an extended time.<ref>"Jesus’ Coming or Jesus’ Presence—Which?", ''The Watchtower'', August 15, 1996, p. 12.</ref> | |||
| Witnesses base their beliefs about the significance of 1914 on the Watch Tower Society's interpretation of biblical chronology,<ref>"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.</ref> which is hinged on the belief that 607 BCE was the date of Jerusalem's destruction and the beginning of the ]. They believe that Daniel chapter 4 prophesied a period of 2,520 years starting with 607 BCE and ending at 1914 AD. (Non-Witness sources date Jerusalem's destruction to 587/586 BCE, some 20 years later.)<ref>{{cite book| last = Gruss| first = Edmond C.| title = The Jehovah's Witnesses and Prophetic Speculation| publisher = Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co| date = 1972| pages = 20–58| isbn = 0-87552-306-4}}</ref><ref>''Let Your Kingdom Come, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 1981, pp. 186-189 Appendix to Chapter 14.</ref> 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.<ref>''What Does The Bible Really Teach?'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, pp. 217-218.</ref> 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.<ref>''The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1981, pg 86.</ref><ref>''True Peace and Security- How Can You Find It?'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1986, pp 81-84.</ref> They believe that their preaching is also part of that sign, citing Matthew 24:14.<ref>"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.</ref><ref>''The Watchtower'', October 15, 2000, p11.</ref><ref>''Awake!'', October 22, 1993, p. 11.</ref> | |||
| Witnesses teach that in 1918, Jesus resurrected to heavenly life those of the 144,000 (the "anointed") who had already died; 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.<ref>''Revelation - Its Grand Climax At Hand!'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, page 102-104.</ref> | |||
| ===Salvation=== | |||
| {{Main|Jehovah's Witnesses and salvation}} | |||
| Witness publications teach that all humanity is in a ] state.<ref>"Jehovah Cares For You," ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 2002, p. 15.</ref> Release from this is possible because Jesus' shed blood provided a payment, or ] for the sins of humankind.<ref>''Insight On The Scriptures'', Vol 2, p. 733.</ref><ref>"Do You Share Jehovah’s View of Sacred Things?", ''The Watchtower'', November 1, 2006, p. 23.</ref><ref></ref> Salvation is said to be a result of the undeserved kindness (]) of God,<ref>"Keep Your Hope of Salvation Bright!", ''The Watchtower'', June 1, 2000, p. 12.</ref> 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,<ref>"Christian Works — What Do They Include?", ''The Watchtower'', June 1, 1978, p. 29 </ref> as well as endurance in "zealous" preaching, which is singled out as the means by which Witnesses attain salvation.<ref>"Preaching in a Lawless World", ''The Watchtower'', July 15, 1979, page 13, paragraph 4; cited in {{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=206}}.</ref><ref>{{cite book| last = Botting| first = Heather| coauthors = Gary Botting| title = The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses| publisher = University of Toronto Press| date = 1984| pages = 107| isbn = 0-8020-6545-7}}</ref><ref>Keeping “Clean from the Blood of All Men”, ''The Watchtower'', October 1, 1960, page 608.</ref> | |||
| Witnesses believe there are two destinations for those saved by God. They say the number of Christians going to heaven is limited to precisely 144,000, who will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over Earth.<ref>"Have No Fear, Little Flock", ''The Watchtower'', February 15, 1995, p. 18-22.</ref> The remainder have the hope of living forever in an earthly paradise.<ref>"A Great Crowd Rendering Sacred Service," ''The Watchtower'' February 1, 1995, p. 14-17.</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the only scriptural hope of surviving Armageddon comes through adherence to the biblical teachings, including faith in Jesus' shed blood. Those who do not show such faith and become part of God's "organization" face destruction at Armageddon.<ref name="The Watchtower 1989, page 19"/><ref>''Worship the Only True God'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, page 179.</ref><ref>''The Watchtower'' July 1, 1995 p. 21 par 17,18.</ref> 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.<ref>"Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness," ''The Watchtower'' August 15, 1998 p. 20</ref> After Armageddon, most people will be resurrected with the prospect of living forever.<ref>"The Only Remedy!", ''The Watchtower'', March 15, 2006, p. 6.</ref> They believe those who have already been condemned by God will not be resurrected.<ref>''The Watchtower'' July 1, 1998, p. 19-24</ref> These are said to include any killed at Armageddon, or those in "]", or doomed to everlasting destruction.<ref>''What Does The Bible Really Teach?'' Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, p. 73.</ref> 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. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released again to mislead as many people as he can.<ref>"What God’s Kingdom Will Do.", ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 2000 p. 19.</ref> The final judgment will then take place, when Satan and all those corrupted by him will be destroyed forever, with evil never occurring again.<ref>''Revelation - Its Grand Climax At Hand'' Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, p. 292. </ref> Those who survive that final test will live forever.<ref>''What Does The Bible Really Teach?'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, p. 215 par. 2</ref> | |||
| ===Death=== | |||
| Witnesses regard the soul as mortal, based on the statement at Ezekiel 18:4 that "the soul that sins, it shall die" (MKJV)<ref>''You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 77.</ref> and thus believe the soul does not continue to live after one dies.<ref>"Is There LIFE After Death?", ''The Watchtower'' July 15, 2001.</ref> Death is considered a state of non-existence, based on their understanding of Ecclesiastes 9:5, "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing." Witnesses believe that the only hope for life after death is in the resurrection, (as opposed to an immortal soul) which they say involves re-creation by God of the same individual with a new body.<ref>''Reasoning From The Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 333.</ref> They believe that 144,000 people will be resurrected to a heavenly life to be priestly rulers under Christ, but the vast majority, to life on a paradise earth. Resurrected individuals will undergo a final test to determine their eligibility for everlasting life on earth.<ref>"The Only Remedy!", ''The Watchtower'' March 15, 2006, p. 6.</ref> | |||
| Watch Tower publications teach that ] (hades or sheol) is not a place of fiery torment, but rather the 'common grave', a place of unconsciousness.<ref>"Hell-Eternal Torture or Common Grave?" ''The Watchtower'', April 15, 1993, p. 6.</ref> "Gehenna", the Bible word commonly translated "hellfire", is said to describe a judgment of complete destruction<ref>"Comfort for Those Who Mourn," ''Awake!'' May 8, 2002, p. 19.</ref>, and that no resurrection is possible for anyone in Gehenna.<ref>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', July 15, 2005, p. 31.</ref> They reason that complete destruction does not allow for literal "torture" of the wicked, as the deceased person lacks consciousness.<ref>''Insight On The Scriptures'', Vol 1, p. 906.</ref> 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.<ref>"The Dead Who Are in Line for Resurrection", ''The Watchtower'', February 1, 1965, p.76.</ref> | |||
| 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 the activities of "dead" people.<ref>"Satan Worship in Our Time", ''The Watchtower'', September 1, 1988, p. 5.</ref><ref>"What Is the Bible’s View? Mourning for the Dead", ''Awake!'', December 8, 1974, pp. 26-28.</ref> | |||
| ===Defection=== | |||
| Watch Tower publications assert that members of the religion are not compelled to remain part of the congregation.<ref name=wtcompell>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', July 1, 1984, page 31.</ref> However Jehovah's Witness doctrines provide no valid reason for baptised members to leave the religion.<ref name=holdendefect>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=150-170}}.</ref> 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,<ref name=holdendefect /><ref name=wtdisfellow>"Disfellowshiping—How to View It", ''The Watchtower'', September 15, 1981, page 23.</ref> becoming part of the ].<!-- Please refer to | |||
| ] | |||
| --><ref name=wtantich>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', July 15, 1985, page 31.</ref> Watch Tower publications define such individuals as being "more reprehensible than those in the world"<ref name=wtantich /> and direct that they are to be shunned by other Witnesses, including close relatives, with no social or religious contact and no greeting given.<ref name=wtcompell /><ref name=wtdisfellow /> 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.<ref name=holdendefect /> | |||
| ===Education=== | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses are instructed to make their preaching work the top priority in their life. Higher education is discouraged because of the futility of planning secular advancement in a world they believe faces imminent destruction, as well as fears about succumbing to "worldly thinking" and concerns that advanced educated might lead to a lack of humility.<ref>"Remain Without Spot From the World", ''The Watchtower'', October 1, 1984, p. 17 par. 10.</ref> Because evangelistic activities take priority over educational success, young Witnesses rarely progress to college or university,<ref name=holdeneducation>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=135}}.</ref> which can be a source of regret in subsequent years among those who are reared in the organization and later defect.<ref name=holdeneducation /> 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.<ref>"Parents—What Future Do You Want for Your Children?", ''The Watchtower,'' October 1, 2005, p. 26-31.</ref> 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, the social sciences, or the biological sciences, "disciplines that are most threatening to the Witness world-view".<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=314-315}}.</ref> | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses provide religious training programs for their members, including the congregational Theocratic Ministry School, Pioneer Service School, ] and Gilead Missionary School, which focus on improving skills for their ministry. | |||
| ==Practices== | |||
| ===Worship=== | |||
| ]Meetings for worship and study are held at ]. Witnesses are assigned to a congregation in whose "territory" they reside and are expected to attend weekly meetings as scheduled by congregation elders. The meetings are largely devoted to study of the Bible and Witness doctrines; traditions of mysticism, ], creed recitation or periods of silent meditation common in other Christian denominations are absent.<ref name=holdenhall>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=64-69}}.</ref> During meetings and in other formal circumstances, Witnesses refer to one another as "Brother" and "Sister".<ref>{{cite book| last = Botting| first = Heather| coauthors = Gary Botting| title = The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses| publisher = University of Toronto Press| date = 1984| pages = 85| isbn = 0-8020-6545-7}}</ref> Sociologist Andrew Holden claims meetings create an atmosphere of uniformity for Witnesses, intensify their sense of belonging to a religious community and reinforce the plausibility of the organization's belief system.<ref name=holdenhall /> He says they are also important in helping new converts adopt a different way of life.<ref name=holdenhall /> | |||
| The form and content of the meetings is established by the religion's Brooklyn headquarters, with the content of meetings in any week largely identical around the world.<ref name=holdenhall /> The week's two meetings are divided into a total of five distinct sections, lasting a total of about four hours, with meetings opened and closed with ]s and brief prayers delivered from the platform. Witnesses are urged to prepare for all meetings by studying Watch Tower literature from which the content matter is drawn.<ref>"Benefit Fully From the Service Meetings", ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', January 1989, page 7.</ref> The Kingdom Halls are typically functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols.<ref name=holdenhall /> Each year, Witnesses from a number of congregations that form a "circuit" gather for one-day and two-day assemblies; several circuits meet once a year for a three-day "district convention", usually at rented stadiums or auditoriums. Their most important and solemn event is the celebration of the "Lord's Evening Meal", or "Memorial of Christ's Death". | |||
| ====Weekend meeting==== | |||
| The meeting, usually held on Sunday, comprises a 30-minute public talk by a congregation elder or ministerial servant and a one-hour question-and-answer study of a Bible-based article from '']'' magazine,<ref name=holdenhall /> with questions prepared by the Watch Tower Society and the answers provided in the magazine.<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=420}}.</ref> Members are encouraged to use their own words to express the ideas in the printed material,<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Our Kingdom Ministry|date=December 2004|page=1|title=Part 4—Conducting Progressive Bible Studies}}</ref> though personal contributions from independent study are discouraged.<ref name=holdenhall /><ref>{{cite book| last = Botting| first = Heather| coauthors = Gary Botting| title = The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses| publisher = University of Toronto Press| date = 1984| pages = 143| isbn = 0-8020-6545-7}}</ref> | |||
| ====Midweek meeting==== | |||
| The meeting, typically held in the evening, includes a question-and-answer "Congregation Bible Study" (25 minutes) based on a Watch Tower Society publication;<ref name=holdenhall /><ref>''Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2000, page 15.</ref> the "Theocratic Ministry School" (30 minutes) designed to train Witnesses in public speaking and proselytizing using talks and rehearsals of doorstop sermons;<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=51}}.</ref> and the "Service Meeting" (35 minutes), following an agenda set in the Society's monthly newsletter ''Our Kingdom Ministry'' to train Witnesses for, and encourage "zealous" participation in, the public ministry.<ref>"Are You Benefiting Yourself?", ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', August 2000, page 3.</ref><ref>"Congregation Meetings—Part IV: A Provision to Help Us Make Disciples", ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', February 1981, page 1.</ref> Prior to 2009, the midweek meeting consisted of the Theocratic Ministry School and the Service Meeting (each 45 minutes); the Congregation Book Study (1 hour) was typically held on a separate evening, divided into smaller groups in private homes.<ref>''Our Kingdom Ministry'', August 2007, p. 8 How the Congregation Book Study Arrangement Helps Us</ref> | |||
| ====Memorial of Christ's death==== | |||
| {{See also|Eucharist}} | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate Christ's death as a ransom or "propitiatory sacrifice" by observing The Lord's Evening Meal, or Memorial. They celebrate it once each year, noting that it was instituted on the ], an annual festival.<ref>''Reasoning From The Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 265.</ref> They observe it on ] according to the ancient Jewish lunisolar calendar.<ref>''Insight On The Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, p. 392.</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that this is the only celebration the Bible commands Christians to observe. | |||
| Of those who attend the Memorial, a small minority worldwide partake of the unleavened bread and wine. This is because Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the majority of the faithful have an earthly hope. Only those who believe they have a heavenly hope, the "remnant" (those still living) of the ] "anointed", partake of the bread and wine.<ref>''What Does The Bible Really Teach?'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, p. 207, "Who should partake of these Memorial emblems? Logically, only those in the new covenant—that is, those who have the hope of going to heaven—should partake of the bread and the wine. God’s holy spirit convinces such ones that they have been selected to be heavenly kings."</ref> In 2008, the number of persons who partook worldwide was 9986, whereas the number who attended was 17,790,631.<ref>''Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses 2009'', p. 31</ref> | |||
| The Memorial, held after sunset, includes a talk on the meaning of the celebration and the circulation among the audience of unadulterated red wine and unleavened bread. Jehovah's Witnesses believe the bread symbolizes Jesus Christ's body which he gave on behalf of mankind, and that the wine symbolises his blood which redeems from sin. They do not believe in ] or ].<ref>''What Does The Bible Really Teach?'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, p. 207.</ref><ref>"Discerning What We Are — At Memorial Time", ''The Watchtower'', February 15, 1990, p. 16.</ref> Because many congregations have no members who claim to be anointed, it is common for the bread and wine to be passed and have no partakers. | |||
| ====Assemblies and Conventions==== | |||
| Each year, Jehovah's Witnesses hold a "Special Assembly Day" and a two-day "Circuit Assembly", held in each ] worldwide. Each circuit comprises several congregations in a geographical area. These are held either in Assembly Halls owned by Jehovah's Witnesses, or in borrowed or rented facilities, such as public auditoriums. Once a year, Jehovah's Witnesses come together at larger assemblies called "District Conventions" which are usually three days long. Every fifth year, "International Conventions" are held in selected cities, usually lasting four days, with visiting delegates from other countries. The attendance of some conventions numbers into the hundreds of thousands, with the largest-ever gathering held in New York in 1958 at ] and ] with a peak attendance exceeding 250,000. | |||
| ===Evangelism=== | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses are required to express their belief in the religion's doctrines by participating in both organized and spontaneous evangelizing and proselytizing work,<ref name=holdenminister>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=71-76}}.</ref> with baptism permitted only for those who demonstrate "regular and zealous" participation.<ref name="Question Box 1990, page 8">Question Box, ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', June 1990, page 8.</ref> Baptism is regarded as an automatic ordination as a minister<ref>"Paying Back Caesar’s Things to Caesar", ''The Watchtower'', May 1, 1996, page 16.</ref> and from that point Witnesses feel a moral obligation to serve as "publishers", disseminating Watch Tower doctrines as evangelists of "the Truth".<ref name=holdenminister /> Watch Tower publications describe house to house visitations as the primary work of Jehovah's Witnesses<ref name="Question Box 1990, page 8"/> in obedience to a "divine command" to preach "the Kingdom good news in all the earth and (make) disciples of people of all the nations".<ref>''Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, page 4.</ref> Witnesses are placed under continual pressure from Watch Tower publications, meetings and conventions to increase the quality and quantity of their preaching efforts.<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=259}}.</ref><ref name=franzevangelism>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|pp=196-206}}.</ref> According to former Governing Body member Raymond Franz, a 1978 Watch Tower Society survey of elders revealed widespread resentment over reporting requirements and feelings of guilt over the inability of individuals to meet organizational expectations.<!-- Even if true, preceding has no place in an objective presentation of "JW Beliefs". Suggest moving it to ''Controversies regarding Jehovah's Witnesses'' --><ref name=franzevangelism /> Children are also encouraged to participate, accompanied by their parents. Witnesses have been told that dedication to God requires them to preach full-time unless their circumstances make it impossible,<ref>"Is the Full-Time Ministry for You?", ''The Watchtower'', March 1, 1955, page 138, "by virtue of his dedication vow every Christian is obligated to serve full time unless circumstances over which he has no control make that impossible."</ref> and that a Witness could not have a clear conscience if they failed to enrol as a "pioneer" (committing themselves to 70 hours' preaching a month) when their circumstances allowed it.<ref>“Clean from the Blood of All Men”, ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', February 1973, page 3, "Manifestly a dedicated, baptized witness of Jehovah could not have a completely clear conscience if he knew that he could do much more in spreading the “good news” but held back from doing it.".</ref> Watch Tower publications suggest that endurance in public preaching is the means by which Witnesses attain salvation,<ref>"Preaching in a Lawless World", ''The Watchtower'', July 15, 1979, page 13, paragraph 4; cited in {{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=206}}.</ref><ref>{{cite book| last = Botting| first = Heather| coauthors = Gary Botting| title = The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses| publisher = University of Toronto Press| date = 1984| pages = 107| isbn = 0-8020-6545-7}}</ref> and that evengelizing frees them from the personal bloodguilt that would result if individuals died at Armageddon without having heard the message of God's Kingdom.<ref>Keeping “Clean from the Blood of All Men”, ''The Watchtower'', October 1, 1960, page 608.</ref> | |||
| Specialized territory maps of residential and commercial areas are prepared within each congregation's boundaries and distributed to publishers who are responsible for preaching to people within each territory. Witnesses are instructed <!-- This should settle the matter, since it uses the precise word as the KM -->to fill out monthly report slips on their preaching activity,<ref>"Do You Contribute to an Accurate Report?", ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', December 2002, page 8.</ref> listing the hours spent, publications placed with householders and the number of "return visits" made to households where interest had previously been shown.<ref name=holdenminister /> The reports are used to help measure of the "spirituality" of individuals<ref name=holdenminister /><ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=247}}.</ref> and are critical in determining the eligibility of men as congregation elders and ministerial servants.<ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|p=201}}.</ref> A Witness who fails to report for a month is known as an "irregular publisher"; those who have not turned in a field service report for six consecutive months are known as "inactive publishers". | |||
| Witnesses who can spend at least 840 hours of witnessing during a year (an average of 70 hours per month) can apply for the status of "regular pioneers", or full-time evangelizers.<ref>''Our Kingdom Ministry'', April 2006, p. 7.</ref> Witnesses who wish to spend 50 hours in a month can apply to be an "auxiliary pioneer" and can serve in this capacity either a month at a time or consecutively. Some Witnesses also volunteer for missionary service and are given specialized training at the ]. These individuals dedicate, on average, more than 120 hours a month to their work. As of 1998 there were 2,390 Witnesses having missionary status serving in 148 "lands".<ref>Determined to Follow God’s Way of Life ''The Watchtower'' January 15 1999 p. 6</ref> | |||
| Witnesses have, in the past, used a wide variety of methods to spread their faith, including information marches, where members wore ]s and handed out leaflets, to sound cars (car-mounted ]s), and syndicated newspaper columns and radio segments devoted to sermons. Between 1924 and 1957, the organization operated a radio station, WBBR, from New York. | |||
| ===Watch Tower literature=== | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses make extensive use of Watch Tower Society literature, including books, magazines, booklets and handbills, to spread their beliefs and for use as textbooks at their religious meetings. The publications are produced in many languages, with a small selection available in 410 languages. Their primary publications, ''The Watchtower'' and ''Awake!'', are published simultaneously in hundreds of languages<ref>http://www.jw-media.org</ref> and are also available in audio and electronic formats. Issues of both publications are compiled annually into bound volumes, and are also added annually to the ''Watchtower Library'' CD-ROM, officially available only to baptized members, which contains many Witness publications from 1950 onwards.<ref>''Our Kingdom Ministry'', September 2007, p. 3</ref> New books, brochures, and other items are released at their annual conventions. Additionally, a number of ], ]s, and ]s have been produced explaining the group's beliefs, practices, organization and history. Some of these also provide dramas based on biblical accounts. Since 1942 all Watch Tower literature has been published anonymously.<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=78}}.</ref> | |||
| Publications were sold to the public until the early 1990s, from which point they were offered gratis, with a request for donations. The change in policy was first announced in the United States in February 1990, with one newspaper claiming it was prompted by the loss of a US Supreme Court court case by ] Ministries on the issue of sales tax exemption for religious groups.<ref></ref> The Watch Tower Society had joined the case as an ], or "friend of the court".<ref></ref> The court ruling would have resulted in the Watch Tower Society having to pay millions of dollars in sales tax if sales of their literature had continued.<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=320}}.</ref> | |||
| Witnesses are urged to prepare for congregation meetings by studying the assigned Watch Tower literature,<ref>''Organized To Do Jehovah's Will'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, page 62.</ref> and are also expected to read all magazines and books published by the Society.<ref>"Let Your Advancement Be Manifest", ''Watchtower'', August 1, 1992, page 10.</ref><ref>"Look to Jehovah for Insight", ''Watchtower'', March 15, 1989, page 14.</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=88}}.</ref> One analysis noted that each year Witnesses are expected to read more than 3000 pages of the Society's publications, according to its suggested program for personal study. In 1981 this would have included 1536 pages from ''The Watchtower'' and ''Awake!'', 48 pages from ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', 384 pages of a book for the congregation book study, 384 pages from the Yearbook, 360 pages of the Theocratic Ministry School textbook and 258 pages of assembly releases.<!--plus weekly bible reading?--><ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=231}}</ref> Much of the literature is extensively illustrated, with sociologist Andrew Holden observing utopian, post-Armageddon images of happy Witnesses in bright sunshine and pristine environments, often playing with formerly wild animals such as lions and tigers, in sharp contrast to dark-coloured images of unfavourable activities such as murders, burglaries and promiscuity that highlight the moral dangers outside the organization.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=92-93}}</ref> | |||
| ===Conversion=== | |||
| To become one of Jehovah's Witnesses, a systematic Bible study course is followed. One must also accept Jesus' ransom sacrifice and repent of sins, and make a personal dedication to God.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 1/15/89 p. 13 par. 18 What Prevents You From Getting Baptized?</ref> Participation in the preaching work is required, as well as regular meeting attendance.<ref>''What Does The Bible Really Teach'' chap. 18 pp. 175-176 pars. 4-5 Baptism and Your Relationship With God</ref> | |||
| The elders ask a series of questions to ensure that the person understands and accepts the beliefs of the Witnesses.<ref>'']''</ref> This is done in preparation for ].<ref>''What Does The Bible Really Teach?'' . | chap. 18 p. 182 par. 21 “Baptism and Your Relationship With God”</ref> Baptisms are normally performed at assemblies and conventions. At these baptisms, the candidates make "public declaration" of their prior dedication to God.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 5/15/03 p. 31 Questions From Readers</ref> The speaker typically asks the candidates, "On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?” After the candidates answer with an affirmative "yes" and agree that their dedication and baptism "identifies of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization", they can undergo water immersion.<ref> http://www.jwfiles.com/baptized.htm | w89 1/15 13 What Prevents You From Getting Baptized?</ref> | |||
| ===Discipline=== | |||
| {{Main|Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline}} | |||
| Formal discipline is administered by congregation Elders. In the event that an accusation of serious sin is made concerning a baptized member, if there is sufficient evidence, a tribunal or judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, administer help and possibly apply sanctions. | |||
| ''Disfellowshipping'' is the most severe form of discipline administered. Before taking this step, the judicial committee must determine that the individual has committed a "serious sin", and that there is no evidence of true repentance.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 9/15/87 p. 13.</ref> To judge that repentance is genuine, members of the judicial committee ask questions and review the actions of the accused member.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 1/1/95 p. 30 par. 3</ref> Baptized members who openly reject doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses can be disfellowshipped for ].<ref>''Reasoning From The Scriptures'' p. 34 Apostasy "Others claim to believe the Bible but reject Jehovah’s organization."</ref><ref>''The Watchtower'' 4/1/86 p. 31.</ref> Once the decision to disfellowship has been made, a person has seven days to appeal. After the seven days, if the person has not appealed, the disfellowshipping will be announced to the congregation; disfellowshipping does not take effect until the announcement is made to the congregation.<ref>''Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock'' - pgs. 121-122</ref> After a person is disfellowshipped, the person is shunned by all baptized members.<ref>''The Watchtower'' April 15, 1988.</ref> Exceptions to this would include cases where a member was forced to have commercial dealings with a member who is disfellowshipped, or if the disfellowshipped member is living with family members who are baptized. In these cases, the Witness are not permitted to speak about matters pertaining to the religion, except in the case of parents conducting a bible study with a disfellowshipped minor.<ref>“Helping Minors to Worship God”, ''Awake!'' 11/15, 1988, p. 20.</ref> The extent to which disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives living in the same household is included in family life is left to the discretion of the family.<ref>"Thus, it would be left to members of the family to decide on the extent to which the disfellowshipped family member would be included when eating or engaging in other household activities. And yet, they would not want to give brothers with whom they associate the impression that everything is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred." Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped, p 4. Scan available at accessed January 27, 2006.</ref> Family members living outside the home who are disfellowshipped have minimal contact.<ref>"Disfellowshiping-How to View It," ''The Watchtower'', September 15, 1981, p. 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." </ref><ref>"Discipline That Can Yield Peaceable Fruit," ''The Watchtower'' April 15, 1988, p. 26.</ref> | |||
| ''Reproof'' involves sins that could lead to disfellowshipping. Ones considered "truly repentant" are reproved rather than disfellowshipped.<ref>“Questions From Readers”, ''The Watchtower'', January 1, 1983 pp. 30-31.</ref> Reproof is given "before all onlookers." If the sin is private in nature, the reproof would involve just the individual(s) involved. If the sin is known generally by the entire congregation or the community, an announcement is made informing the congregation that the person has been reproved. Later, without disclosing names or private details, one of the Elders gives a separate talk ensuring that the congregation understood the sin, its dangers, and how to avoid it.<ref>“Repentance Leading Back to God”, ''The Watchtower'', September 1, 1981, p. 27 par. 30.</ref> Certain restrictions on congregation privileges will apply to the reproved one, until the Elders have determined that the member has regained "spiritual strength."<ref>''Our Kingdom Ministry'', March 1975, p. 4.</ref><ref>''Our Kingdom Ministry'', May 1973, p. 8.</ref><ref>"Reproofs Are the Way of Life", ''The Watchtower'', November 15, 1977 p. 691.</ref> Restrictions may include not sharing in meeting parts, not commenting at meeting parts and not praying for a group. The length of the restricted period is dependent upon the elders. One cannot "pioneer" or "auxiliary pioneer" for at least one year after reproof is given.<ref>''Our Kingdom Ministry'' March 1983, p. 3.</ref> | |||
| ''Marking'' is practiced if a person's course of action is regarded as a violation of Bible principles, reflecting badly on the congregation, but is not a disfellowshipping offense.<ref>''The Watchtower'', July 15, 1999, p. 30</ref> The person is strongly counseled. If, after repeated counsel sessions, the person still pursues the disturbing course, he might be 'marked', which involves an announcement stating that the actions in question are wrong, without naming the individual involved. Congregation members limit social contact with that person. The purpose of this is to shame the person into correcting their actions.<ref>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', April 15, 1985, p. 31.</ref> They do not completely shun the "marked" individual, but social contact is minimised.<ref>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', April 15, 1984 p. 31. </ref> | |||
| ===Family life=== | |||
| The family structure is patriarchal. Husbands are considered the final authority of family decisions. He is the head of his family. He must only have one wife. Wives should be submissive to their husbands and husbands are to have deep respect and love for their wives.<ref>''The Bible's Viewpoint'' What Does It Mean to Be the Head of the House?, ''Awake!'' 2004b, July 8, 2004, p. 26.</ref> Husbands are instructed to treat their wives as Jesus treated his followers. He should not hurt or mistreat his family in any way. The father should be hard-working in providing necessities to his family. He must also provide for them in a spiritual capacity. This includes religious instruction for the family, and taking the lead in preaching activities. Parental discipline for children should not be in a harsh, cruel way. Children are instructed to obey their parents. | |||
| Married couples are encouraged to speak with local elders if they are having problems. Married couples can separate in the case of physical abuse and neglect, or if one partner attempts to hinder the other from being a Jehovah's Witness.<ref>''The Secret of Family Happiness'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1996, pp. 160-161.</ref> Divorce (with the ability to remarry) is permissible only on the grounds of adultery, based on their understanding of Jesus' words at Matthew 5:32 and Matthew 19:9. | |||
| ===Morality=== | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses' views of sexual behavior reflects conservative Christian views. Abortion is considered murder.<ref>''Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1995, p. 118.</ref> Homosexuality, premarital, and extramarital sex are considered sins.<ref>"Young People Ask... What's Wrong With Premarital Sex?," ''Awake!'' July 22, 2004, p. 12.</ref> Smoking, use of addictive drugs, and drunkenness are prohibited.<ref>''Jehovah’s Witnesses – Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993,p. 180.</ref><ref>“You Must Be Holy Because Jehovah Is Holy”, ''The Watchtower'', February 15, 1976, p. 123 par. 16.</ref> Modesty is heavily encouraged in dress and grooming. Entertainment promoting immoral, "demonic", or violent themes is strongly discouraged. In certain areas, personal grooming such as beards, long hair or earrings for men, along with any dress or grooming that is deemed to be rebellious or immodest is discouraged in everyday settings.<ref>“When Another’s Conscience Is Involved”, ''Awake!'' April 22, 1979, pp. 27-28</ref> | |||
| Gambling by making money through the losses of others is viewed as a "form of greed" and therefore prohibited.<ref>''Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, p. 180.</ref><ref>''What Does God Require of Us?'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1996, p. 20.</ref><ref></ref> The trading of stocks, shares and bonds is viewed as acceptable.<ref>''Awake!'', June 8, 2001, p. 30</ref> | |||
| ===Blood=== | |||
| {{Main|Jehovah's Witnesses and blood}} | |||
| {{See also|Controversies regarding Jehovah's Witnesses}} | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that the Bible prohibits the consumption, storage and transfusion of ], based on their understanding of scriptures such as Leviticus 17:10, 11: "I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood", and Acts 15:28: "abstain from ... blood". They apply this viewpoint even in cases of emergency. ''The Watchtower'' introduced this view in 1945, and it has developed since then.<ref>http://www.watchtower.org/library/hb/article_01.htm</ref> Accordingly the organization has established Hospital Information Services (HIS). HIS is responsible for education on and facilitation of “].” This service also maintains Hospital Liaison Committees whose function is to provide support to adherents facing surgery and assist in providing information to the medical community on bloodless surgery techniques and alternatives to blood.<ref>http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/1993/11/22/article_01.htm</ref> | |||
| Though accepted by the majority of members, some within the Jehovah's Witness community do not endorse the doctrine.<ref>See: ]</ref> Historically the doctrine has drawn criticism from members of the medical community. However some professionals worldwide now acknowledge the benefits of avoiding the use of blood during surgery and therefore routinely utilize bloodless surgery techniques on Jehovah's Witnesses and non-believers alike.<ref>http://www.watchtower.org/e/vcnb/article_01.htm</ref> | |||
| ===Separateness=== | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that it is vital they remain "separate from the world" in harmony with Jesus' description of his followers at John 17:14-16. Watch Tower publications define the "world" as "the mass of mankind apart from Jehovah’s approved servants" and teach that it is ruled by Satan<ref>''Reasoning From the Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 435-436.</ref> and a place of danger<ref>"Live a Balanced, Simple Life", ''The Watchtower'', July 15, 1989, page 11.</ref> and moral contamination.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=12}}.</ref> Witnesses manifest their world-renouncing beliefs in many ways. They avoid involvement in social controversies,<ref>''What Does God Require?'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1996, page 13.</ref> remain politically neutral and do not seek public office. The Watch Tower Society has stated that voting in political elections is a personal conscience decision,<ref>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', November 1, 1999, p. 28,"As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State.</ref> though a Witness who takes any action considered to be a "violation of Christian neutrality" may face religious sanctions.<ref>''Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock'', page 140.</ref> They refuse participation in ecumenical and interfaith activities,<ref>''Jehovah's Witnesses Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 188)</ref><ref>''Reasoning From the Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 269-270.</ref> abstain from celebrating religious holidays and reject many customs they claim have pagan origins. They do not work in industries associated with the military, do not serve in the armed services<ref>''Worship the Only True God'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, p. 159.</ref> and refuse national military service, which in some countries may result in their arrest and imprisonment.<ref></ref> They do not salute or pledge allegiance to the flag or sing national anthems and patriotic songs<ref>''Education'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, pp. 20-23</ref> and demand high standards of morality within their ranks.<ref>"Are You Faithful in All Things?", ''Watchtower'', July 15, 2005, page 29.</ref> | |||
| Witnesses are urged to restrict to the minimum their social contact with non-members<ref name="Franz 2007 pp=409">{{Harvnb|Franz|2007|pp=409}}</ref><ref>"Train With Godly Devotion as Your Aim", Watchtower, August 15, 1985, page 19.</ref> because of perceived dangers of worldly association.<ref>''Survival Into a New Earth'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1984, page 168.</ref> A study by sociologist Andrew Holden indicated they are therefore highly selective in choosing who they spend leisure time with, generally choosing the company of other Witnesses. Many Witnesses interviewed by Holden reported tensions and ostracism at work because of their religious beliefs.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=109-112}}.</ref> He reported that many converts to the religion required some social adjustment as they gradually reduced contact with non-Witness friends.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=69}}.</ref> Association with those outside the organization, commonly referred to by Witnesses as "worldly" and "not in the Truth", is acceptable only when it is viewed as an opportunity to preach<ref name="Franz 2007 pp=409"/> and Witnesses are under considerable pressure from the Society to show outsiders they are people of high moral fibre. Holden claims that as a result, Witnesses working with "worldly" colleagues" tend to follow Watch Tower teachings to the letter.<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=123}}.</ref> | |||
| ===Celebrations=== | |||
| Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are observed, though they avoid incorporating certain traditions they see to have pagan origins.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 1/15/69 p. 58 Christian Weddings Should Reflect Reasonableness "Of course, some customs are unscriptural and so they are objectionable to Christians. ... Other customs are plainly acts of false worship. So one planning a wedding does well to examine practices common in his area and analyze how people view them locally."</ref><ref>''The Watchtower'' 7/15/98 p. 24 A Christian View of Funeral Customs "Funeral customs do not always conflict with Bible principles. When they do, Christians are determined to act in harmony with the Scriptures."</ref> They may use rings in wedding ceremonies, ''The Watchtower'' stating that even if they were first used by pagans<ref>{{Citation | last = Wagner | first = Leopold | year = 1894 | title = Manners, Customs, and Observances | publisher = Forgotten Books | page = 61 | isbn = 1605067989 | url = http://books.google.com.au/books?output=html&id=2Boh78Pte8QC&jtp=61 | accessdate = 2008-08-15}}</ref> that doesn't necessarily rule out their use for Christians.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 1/15/72 p. 63 "It is thus seen that the precise origin of the wedding ring is uncertain. Even if it were a fact that pagans first used wedding rings, would that rule such out for Christians? Not necessarily."</ref> | |||
| Other common celebrations and religious or national holidays such as ], ], and ]<ref>"Christmas Customs—Are They Christian", ''The Watchtower'', December 15, 2000, page 3-7, </ref> are not celebrated because they believe that these continue to involve "false religious beliefs or activities."<ref>''Awake!'' 7/8/04 p. 30 "Christians refrain from any celebrations or customs that continue to involve false religious beliefs or activities that violate Bible principles. For example, the Bible definitely puts birthday celebrations in a bad light"</ref><ref>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', November 15, 1960, p. 704.</ref><ref>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 1998, p. 30.</ref> Watch Tower Society publications rule out the celebration of ] because of a claimed link with pagan gods<ref>“They Are No Part of the World”, ''Jehovah’s Witnesses – Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom'', page 199, "Jehovah’s Witnesses have good times with their families and friends. But they do not participate in holidays and celebrations that are linked with pagan gods (as is true of such holidays as Easter, New Year’s Day, May Day, and Mother’s Day)."</ref> and concerns that giving "special honor and worship" to mothers is a form of creature worship" that could turn people away from God.<ref></ref> The Society also directs Witnesses to shun ], ] and ] celebrations because of their pagan origins.<ref>"What Is the Bible’s View? Are They Harmless Observances?", ''Awake!'', February 8, 1974, Page 27.</ref> | |||
| Their opposition to birthdays is said to be based on how the Bible presents them. Watch Tower Society publications note that the only birthday celebrations explicitly mentioned in the Bible are Herod's and Pharaoh's. Both were associated with executions, and neither celebrant was a servant of God.<ref>Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 1998. pp. 30-31.</ref> (Though some religions interpret Job 1:4 to indicate birthday feasts of Job's sons, Jehovah's Witnesses interpret them as a circuit of feasts from one house to the next.)<ref>Job 1:4 reads "And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them." (King James version)</ref> The Bible does not show Jesus or his apostles celebrating birthdays and ''The Watchtower'' claims the absence of any record of the date of the birth of Jesus or his apostles provides a clear implication that "God does not want us to celebrate any of these birthdays".<ref>''The Watchtower'', November 15, 1960, p. 704.</ref> | |||
| Witnesses typically observe wedding anniversaries, with the Watch Tower Society noting that wedding anniversaries apparently do not stem from pagan origins.<ref>''The Watchtower'', December 1, 1971, p. 735.</ref> | |||
| ===Construction and humanitarian efforts=== | |||
| International and regional building teams frequently undertake constructions of Kingdom Halls over the course of one or two weekends, referred to as "quick-builds". Larger construction projects, including the building of regional Assembly Halls and Bethel offices, factories, residences, warehouses, and farm facilities, are also carried out almost entirely by volunteer members. Jehovah's Witnesses are also involved in relief work in disaster-stricken areas. Medicine and clothing were provided to both Hutu and Tutsi Witnesses during the ] as well as to Congo refugees and non-Witness children at several primary schools and an orphanage near Goma.<ref> accessed December 4, 2005.</ref> The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses uses "Regional Building Committees" to oversee relief efforts worldwide. This was implemented after ] struck in Louisiana in 2005.<ref>''Awake!'', June 2006, p.19.</ref> | |||
| ===Funding of activities=== | |||
| Jehovah's Witnesses fund their activities, such as publishing, constructing and operating facilities, evangelism, and disaster relief via donations. There is no ] or collection, but all are encouraged to donate to the organization; Witnesses typically provide an opportunity for members of the public to make such donations as they encounter them in their preaching work. Donation boxes labeled for several purposes, are located in Kingdom Halls and other meeting facilities. Generally there is a contribution box for operating expenses locally, a Kingdom Hall fund for helping other Witnesses around the world needing a Kingdom Hall, and a general fund for the "Worldwide Work", which includes the printing of literature, organization of conventions, supporting missionaries and disaster relief, and other operating expenses of the organization.<ref>''Our Kingdom Ministry'', Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, December 2003, p. 7</ref><ref>“A New Program for Kingdom Hall Construction”, ''Our Kingdom Ministry'', Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, September 1983, p. 4-5.</ref><ref>“How May I Contribute?”, ''The Watchtower'', May 1, 1962, p. 278-279.</ref> | |||
| The accounts (including donations) and the financial operation of the local congregation are reviewed monthly with the entire congregation at the Service Meeting. (This meeting is open to the public.) Donations are also accepted via mail, and the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society can be named as a beneficiary to an estate, and also accepts donations in the form of life insurance policies, pension plans, bank accounts, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, real estate, annuities and trusts.<ref>"Ways in Which Some Choose to Give Contributions to the Worldwide Work", ''The Watchtower'', November 1, 2006, page 20</ref> | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{Reflist|2}} | |||
| ==Bibliography== | |||
| *{{cite book | |||
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| |isbn=0914675249}} | |||
| *{{cite book | |||
| |last=Franz | |||
| |first=Raymond | |||
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| |publisher=Commentary Press | |||
| |year=2007 | |||
| |edition=2nd | |||
| |location= | |||
| |isbn = 0914675176}} | |||
| *{{cite book | |||
| |last=Holden | |||
| |first=Andrew | |||
| |authorlink= | |||
| |title=Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement | |||
| |publisher=] | |||
| |year=2002 | |||
| |location= | |||
| |isbn=0415266106}} | |||
| *{{cite book | |||
| |last=Penton | |||
| |first=James M. | |||
| |authorlink=James Penton | |||
| |title=Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses | |||
| |publisher=] | |||
| |year=1997 | |||
| |edition=2nd | |||
| |location= | |||
| |isbn=0802079733}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
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