Jehovah's Witnesses

Definition

Jehovah's Witnesses is a Christian denomination known for its distinct beliefs, particularly regarding the use of God's name, which they believe to be Jehovah. This group is recognized as a major new religious movement that emerged from the Bible Student movement in the late 19th century, with a strong emphasis on evangelism, door-to-door preaching, and an interpretation of biblical prophecies that significantly differs from mainstream Christianity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's name should be used in worship, and they emphasize the importance of using 'Jehovah' rather than generic terms like 'God.'
2. Members are known for their door-to-door ministry and distributing literature, such as The Watchtower, to share their beliefs with others.
3. They reject traditional Christian beliefs like the Trinity and hellfire, instead teaching that Jesus is God's son and that salvation comes through faith and good works.
4. The religion is known for its strict moral code, which prohibits practices like celebrating holidays or birthdays and receiving blood transfusions.
5. Jehovah's Witnesses often face persecution and social ostracism due to their refusal to participate in military service or salute national flags.

Review Questions

• What are the key beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses that distinguish them from other Christian denominations?
  • Jehovah's Witnesses hold several key beliefs that set them apart from mainstream Christianity. They emphasize the use of God's name as Jehovah and reject traditional doctrines like the Trinity, viewing Jesus as a separate being created by God rather than equal to Him. Their teachings focus on living according to strict biblical standards, including abstaining from celebrations deemed pagan and refusing blood transfusions, which highlights their commitment to what they interpret as divine commandments.
• Discuss the organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses and the role of the Watch Tower Society within it.
  • Jehovah's Witnesses have a well-defined organizational structure led by a governing body that oversees doctrinal teachings and administrative matters. The Watch Tower Society serves as the legal entity through which they operate, publishing literature and providing resources for congregational activities. This hierarchical system enables them to maintain unity in doctrine across global congregations while facilitating extensive outreach efforts through their publications and evangelistic activities.
• Evaluate the impact of disfellowshipping on the community dynamics within Jehovah's Witnesses and how it reflects their theological beliefs.
  • Disfellowshipping significantly impacts community dynamics among Jehovah's Witnesses by enforcing strict adherence to their moral codes. This practice not only serves as a means of discipline but also reflects their belief in maintaining purity within the congregation. The shunning of disfellowshipped individuals reinforces group cohesion among remaining members but can lead to emotional distress for those excluded, highlighting a complex interplay between communal identity and individual accountability rooted in their interpretation of biblical teachings.

Related terms

Watch Tower Society: The Watch Tower Society is the main legal entity used by Jehovah's Witnesses for publishing their literature and coordinating their activities worldwide.

Kingdom Hall: A Kingdom Hall is the place of worship for Jehovah's Witnesses where they gather for meetings, study sessions, and communal worship.

Disfellowshipping: Disfellowshipping is a practice in Jehovah's Witnesses where individuals who violate the organization's moral standards are excommunicated and shunned by members.