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Witnesses do no believe that all unbelievers will be destroyed at Armageddon, only the ones that reject God.
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{{Jehovah's Witnesses}}
{{Jehovah's Witnesses}}
The beliefs of [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] are based on the [[Bible]] teachings of [[Charles Taze Russell]]&mdash;founder of the [[Bible Student movement]]&mdash;and successive presidents of the [[Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania|Watch Tower Society]], [[Joseph Franklin Rutherford]] and [[Nathan Homer Knorr]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=13}}.</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2002|p=106}}.</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses&mdash;Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|chapter=5|page=42}}</ref> Since 1976 all doctrinal decisions have been made by the [[Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses]],<ref>{{cite journal|journal=The Watchtower|page=3|title=United in Love—Annual Meeting Report|quote=In 1976, all activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses were brought under the supervision of the six committees of the Governing Body.|date=15 June 2010}}</ref> a group of elders at the religion's Brooklyn headquarters. These teachings are disseminated through ''[[The Watchtower]]'' magazine and other [[Jehovah's Witnesses publications|publications of Jehovah's Witnesses]], and at conventions and congregation meetings.<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>
The beliefs of [[Jehovah's Witnesses]] are based on the [[Bible]] teachings of [[Charles Taze Russell]]&mdash;founder of the [[Bible Student movement]]&mdash;and successive presidents of the [[Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania|Watch Tower Society]], [[Joseph Franklin Rutherford]] and [[Nathan Homer Knorr]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=13}}.</ref><ref>{{Harvnb|Franz|2002|p=106}}.</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses&mdash;Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|chapter=5|page=42}}</ref> Since 1976 all doctrinal decisions have been made by the [[Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses]],<ref>{{cite journal|journal=The Watchtower|page=3|title=United in Love—Annual Meeting Report|quote=In 1976, all activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses were brought under the supervision of the six committees of the Governing Body.|date=15 June 2010}}</ref> a group of elders at the religion's Brooklyn headquarters. These teachings are disseminated through ''[[The Watchtower]]'' magazine and other [[Jehovah's Witnesses publications|publications of Jehovah's Witnesses]], and at conventions and congregation meetings.<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>
Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the present age of human existence is about to be terminated with the direct intervention of God, who will use [[Jesus|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 name="Only True God 2002, page 179">''Worship the Only True God'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, page 179.</ref> and creating a cleansed society of true worshippers. They see their mission as primarily evangelical (disseminating "good news"), to warn as many people as possible in the remaining time before Armageddon.<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.<ref>{{Cite book| last = Holden | first = Andrew | title = Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement | publisher = Routledge | year = 2002 | page = 71-76 | isbn = 0-415-26609-2}}</ref> Witnesses refer to all their beliefs collectively as "the Truth".<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=71}}.</ref>
Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the present age of human existence is about to be terminated with the direct intervention of God, who will use [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]] to fully establish his heavenly government over earth, destroying existing human governments and any who do not accept Jehovah as sovereign,<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 name="Only True God 2002, page 179">''Worship the Only True God'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, page 179.</ref> and creating a cleansed society of true worshippers. They see their mission as primarily evangelical (disseminating "good news"), to warn as many people as possible in the remaining time before Armageddon.<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.<ref>{{Cite book| last = Holden | first = Andrew | title = Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement | publisher = Routledge | year = 2002 | page = 71-76 | isbn = 0-415-26609-2}}</ref> Witnesses refer to all their beliefs collectively as "the Truth".<ref>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|p=71}}.</ref>


==Source of doctrines==
==Source of doctrines==
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Jehovah's Witnesses believe that [[Jesus]] is God's "only begotten" son, and that his life began 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 [[Michael (archangel)|Archangel, Michael]], "the Word" of John 1:1, and wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 refer to Jesus in his pre-human existence. His birth on earth was accomplished when he willingly allowed himself to be transferred, by God, from heaven to the womb of the virgin, [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Mary]].<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, becoming the "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>
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that [[Jesus]] is God's "only begotten" son, and that his life began 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 [[Michael (archangel)|Archangel, Michael]], "the Word" of John 1:1, and wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 refer to Jesus in his pre-human existence. His birth on earth was accomplished when he willingly allowed himself to be transferred, by God, from heaven to the womb of the virgin, [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|Mary]].<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, becoming the "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"<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 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> Even as king of God's kingdom, Jesus remains subordinate to God.<ref>[http://www.watchtower.org/e/20050915/diagram_01.htm Is Jesus God Almighty? - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site]</ref> Witnesses reject the doctrine of the [[Perpetual virginity of Mary|perpetual virginity]] of [[Mary, the mother of Jesus|Mary]], who they believe bore more children after Jesus.<ref>Jesus' Family&mdash;Who Were They? ''The Watchtower'' December 15, 2003, p. 3</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"<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

==Cross==
{{See also|Dispute about Jesus' execution method}}
The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society used the [[Cross and Crown]] symbol on tombstones, and on its publications until 1931.<ref>{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses&mdash;Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|page=200|chapter=They Are No Part of the World}}</ref><ref>[http://www.webcitation.org/query?url=http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/2919/russ3.html&date=2009-10-25+07:28:20 Geocities.com]</ref> Since 1936, Jehovah's Witnesses have rejected the idea that Jesus died on a cross, and instead teach that he died on a single wooden stake ([[wikt:crux simplex|crux simplex]]), asserting that the Koiné Greek word ''σταυρος'' (''[[stauros]]'') refers to a single upright post. They consider the cross to be of pagan origins and an object of idol worship.<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 September 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 [[Satan]] was originally a perfect [[angel]] who 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&mdash;often referred to as a "controversy"&mdash;of whether people, having been granted [[free will]], would obey God under both temptation and persecution. The issue is said to be whether God can rightfully claim to be sovereign of the universe.<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> 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="The Watchtower 1973, page 724">"Declaration and resolution", ''The Watchtower'', December 1, 1973, page 724.</ref><ref name=holdennaturegod/> Jehovah's Witnesses believe that [[Satan]] is God's chief adversary<ref name="The Watchtower 1973, page 724">"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> They believe that [[demon]]s were originally angels who rebelled against God and took Satan's side in the controversy.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=The Watchtower|dateJanuary 15, 2006|pages=7|title=Angels—How They Affect Us}}</ref>

[[Jehovah's Witnesses]] do not believe that Satan lives in [[Hell]] or that he is responsible for punishing the wicked. Satan and his demons are said to have been cast down from heaven to the earth in 1914, marking the beginning of the "[[end time|last days]]".<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> Witnesses believe that Satan and his demons influence individuals, organisations and nations, and that they are the cause of human suffering. At Armageddon, Satan is to be bound for 1,000 years, and then given a brief opportunity to mislead perfect humanity before being destroyed.<ref>''The Watchtower'', 15 March 2009, p. 15, “Be Vigilant”</ref>

Writers including James Beckford and former members [[James Penton]] and [[Barbara Grizzuti Harrison]] have noted Jehovah's Witnesses' dread of demons, which Penton says is "sometimes so extreme that it becomes quite superstitious." But Penton also notes that avoidance of "demonistic practices" has released many people in Africa and Latin America from fear of spirits.<ref name="pentonsatan">{{Cite book| last = Penton | first = M.J. | title = Apocalypse Delayed | publisher = University of Toronto Press | year = 1997 | pages = 189, 190 | isbn = 0-8020-7973-3, 9780802079732}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book| last = Beckford | first = James A.| title = The Trumpet of Prophecy: A Sociological Study of Jehovah's Witnesses| publisher = Basil Blackwell | year = 1975 | location = Oxford | page = 106| isbn = 0-631-16310-7|quote=God is believed to have banished from heaven a number of 'wicked spirit creatures' who are understood to be the main source of human frustration on earth. Consequently, Jehovah's witnesses learn to cultivate a very noticeable fear of phenomena connected with the occult; they 'believe in' ghosts, for example, to the extent of shunning conversation about them and of refusing to listen to ghost-stories.}}</ref><ref>[http://www.jwfacts.com/pdf/pessimistic-sects-influence-montague-social-compass.pdf Havor Montague, "The Pessimistic Sect's Influence on the Mental Health of Its Members", Social Compass, 1977/1, page 144.]</ref><ref>{{Citation| last= Grizzuti Harrison| first=Barbara| authorlink=Barbara Grizzuti Harrison| title=Visions of Glory| publisher = Robert Hale| year= 1978| chapter= 8|isbn= 0-7091-8013-6|quote=''The Watchtower'' concludes, from this bizarre account, that "one can see from this that one need not live in fear of the demons." But of course the result of all this misbegotten advice is to keep the Witnesses in constant fear of "demon harassment." Their demons are never exorcised.}}</ref> Watch Tower Society publications state that Witnesses need not harbor dread or superstitious fear of demons, because their power over humans is limited.<ref>"Angels-How They Affect Us", ''The Watchtower'', January 15, 2006 pg. 7, "Demons are dangerous, but we do not dread them."</ref><ref>"True Religion Dispels Fear–How?" ''The Watchtower'', November 1, 1987, pg. 6, "True, demons are powerful. But ... demons shudder out of dread of Jehovah. But the Almighty God offers you his protection if you ask for it. Bible writer James further says: “Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) Your superstitious fear will likewise flee."</ref>

==God's Messianic Kingdom==
Publications of Jehovah's Witnesses teach that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, established in 1914,<ref>"What Has God’s Kingdom Been Doing Since 1914?", ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 1966, page 617.</ref> ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 humans raised to heaven.<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, and 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 focus of Jesus' ministry.<ref>"God’s Kingdom—Earth’s New Rulership", ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 2000, page 10.</ref>

==Death==
[[File:Headstone.train.arp.jpg|thumb|Jehovah's Witnesses believe the soul is mortal, with a hope of resurrection]]
Witnesses regard the soul as mortal, based on the statement at Ezekiel 18:4 that "the soul that sins, it shall die" ([[Modern English Bible translations#MKJV|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 [http://watchtower.org/bible/ec/chapter_009.htm#bk5 Ecclesiastes 9:5,] "For the living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all". Witnesses believe that the only hope for life after death is in the resurrection, which they say involves re-creation by God of the same individual with a new body.<ref>''Reasoning From The Scriptures'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 333.</ref> They believe that 144,000 people will be resurrected to life as spirit creatures in heaven to be priestly rulers under Christ, but the vast majority, to physical life on earth.<ref>"The Only Remedy!", ''The Watchtower'' March 15, 2006, p. 6.</ref>

Watch Tower publications teach that [[hell]] (''hades'' or ''sheol'') is not a place of fiery torment, but rather the "common grave", a place of unconscious non-existence.<ref>"Hell&mdash;Eternal Torture or Common Grave?" ''The Watchtower'', April 15, 1993, p. 6.</ref> ''[[Hell_in_Christian_beliefs#Jehovah.27s_Witnesses|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> from which resurrection is not possible.<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 is not conscious.<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 wicked angels (demons) sometimes pretend to be spirits of the dead, and that their deception is the basis for many beliefs about [[ghost]]s.<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>

==Salvation==
{{Main|Jehovah's Witnesses and salvation}}
Jehovah's Witnesses' concept of [[salvation]] differs from that of mainstream Christianity, which the latter generally defines as a state of spiritual excellence sufficient to warrant a favorable judgment by God.<ref name="Becksalvation">{{Cite book| last = Beckford | first = James A.| title = The Trumpet of Prophecy: A Sociological Study of Jehovah's Witnesses| publisher = Basil Blackwell | year = 1975 | location = Oxford | pages = 110| isbn = 0-631-16310-7}}</ref> They reject the doctrine of [[Universal reconciliation|universal salvation]],<ref>''The Watchtower'' 4/15/60 p. 229 Does the Bible Teach What You Believe?</ref> and the concept of [[predestination]]. They believe that all intelligent creatures are endowed with [[free will]], and that salvation is the result of a person's own decisions.<ref>Awake! 5/07 p. 13 Is Your Life Predestined?</ref> According to Watch Tower Society theology, salvation requires Christ's mediation as part of God's purpose to grant humans everlasting life, either in heaven (for 144,000 anointed Christians, or the “little flock”) or on earth (for the "other sheep", the remainder of faithful humanity).<ref>The terms "little flock" and "other sheep" are drawn from Luke 12:32 and John 10:16 respectively.</ref> For baptized, anointed Christians, salvation is achieved through their death and subsequent resurrection to heavenly life to share with Christ as a co-ruler of God's kingdom;<ref name=”Keep”>”Keep Your Hope of Salvation Bright!”, The Watchtower, June 1, 2000, pages 9-14.</ref> for others, it is gained through preservation during the battle of [[Armageddon]].<ref name="Becksalvation" />

Salvation is a gift from God, the result of his [[Divine grace|undeserved kindness]], in return for faith in Christ's atoning [[Substitutionary atonement|ransom sacrifice]]. It is also dependent on individuals demonstrating their faith (or worthiness to be saved)<ref>{{Cite book | last = Hoekema | first = Anthony A. | authorlink = Anthony A. Hoekema| title = The Four Major Cults | publisher = William B. Eerdmans | year = 1963 | location = Grand Rapids, Michigan | pages = 285 | isbn = 0-8028-3117-6}}</ref> through "zealous" preaching activity.<ref>"Preaching in a Lawless World", ''The Watchtower'', July 15, 1979, page 13, paragraph 4; cited in James Penton, ‘’Apocalypse Delayed”, pg. 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| year = 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> Watch Tower Society publications state that salvation at Armageddon is also contingent on baptism, accurate knowledge of Bible truth, adherence to God's standards of conduct and morality, use of the divine name "Jehovah" in worship,<ref>”Salvation – What It Really Means,” ''The Watchtower'', August 15, 1997, pgs 4-7.</ref> membership of God's "organization",<ref name="The Watchtower 1989, page 19"/> and active support of anointed Christians.<ref>”Rejoicing in Our Hope”, ''The Watchtower'', March 15, 2012, page 20.</ref>

===144,000 anointed===
Based on a literal interpretation of of scriptures such as [http://www.watchtower.org/e/bible/re/chapter_014.htm?citation#bk1 Revelation 14:1–4], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that exactly [[144000 (number)|144,000]] faithful Christians go to heaven as spirit creatures to rule with Christ in the [[kingdom of God]]. They believe that most of those are already in heaven, and that the "remnant" at Revelation 12:17 (KJV) refers to those remaining alive on earth who will be immediately resurrected to heaven when they die. The Witnesses understand Jesus’ words at John 3:3—"except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God"—to apply to the 144,000 who are "born again" as "anointed" sons of God in heaven.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 11/1/96 p. 10 Look to Jehovah for Comfort: “One of the main operations of God’s spirit upon first-century Christians was to anoint them as adopted spiritual sons of God and brothers of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:21, 22) This is reserved for only 144,000 disciples of Christ. (Revelation 14:1, 3)”</ref> They associate the terms "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16), "little flock" (Luke 12:32), and "the [[Bride of Christ|bride, the Lamb's wife]]" (Revelation 21:9) in the [[New Testament]] with the "anointed".<ref>''Survivors Out of All the Nations'', ©1984 Watch Tower, page 65</ref><ref>"Congregation of God", ''Watchtower Publications Index 1930–1985'', "CONGREGATION OF GOD (Also called 144,000; Anointed; Body of Christ; Bride of Christ; Chosen Ones; Elect; Holy Nation; Israel of God; Kingdom Class; Little Flock; New Creation; New Nation; Royal House; Royal Priesthood; Sanctuary Class; Sons of Levi; Spirit Begotten; Spiritual Israel; Spiritual Sons)"</ref>

Members who claim to be anointed are not given special treatment by other congregation members.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 5/1/07 p. 31: “They do not believe that they necessarily have more holy spirit than their companions of the other sheep have; nor do they expect special treatment or claim that their partaking of the emblems places them above the appointed elders in the congregation”</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses believe that being 'anointed' involves a personal revelation by God's spirit which "gives positive assurance of adoption" to the individual alone.<ref>“United In Worship Of The Only True God” chap. 14 pp. 112-113 ‘I Make a Covenant With You for a Kingdom’: “Spiritual Sons—How Do They Know? ... God’s spirit gives positive assurance of adoption as spiritual sons to baptized Christians who have received the heavenly calling.</ref> Only those claiming to be anointed partake of the unleavened bread and wine at the yearly commemoration of Christ's death, or [[Eucharist#Jehovah's Witnesses|Memorial]]. According to ''The Watchtower'', "the Governing Body does not keep a list of all partakers, for it does not maintain a global network of anointed ones."<ref>"Question From Readers", "The Watchtower", August 15, 2011, page 22</ref>

===Other sheep===
Watch Tower Society literature states that Jesus' use of the term "other sheep" at John 10:16 indicates a separate class with an earthly hope.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 2/1/98 p. 20 par. 7 The Other Sheep and the New Covenant</ref> Those of the "other sheep" who die faithful to God will receive the "resurrection of the righteous" ("just" KJV) mentioned at Acts 24:15.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 2/15/95 p. 11 par. 12 'There Will Be a Resurrection of the Righteous: “Men and women of old who exercised strong faith in Jehovah and his promises and remained faithful to the death were ''declared righteous'' by Jehovah on the basis of their faith, and they will without doubt share in the ‘''resurrection of the righteous''.’</ref> Those who die without faithfully serving God will receive the "resurrection of the ... unrighteous" ("unjust" KJV). They will be given the opportunity to join Jesus' 'other sheep' and live forever on a paradise earth.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 6/15/06 p. 6 A Sure Guide to Happiness: “Acts 24:15 ... “There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” So even “the unrighteous,” many individuals who did not know and serve Jehovah, will get a future opportunity to gain God’s favor.”</ref><ref>You Can Believe in a Paradise Earth ''The Watchtower'' November 15, 2003, p. 4.</ref> Those destroyed at Armageddon and other specific judgments by God are not resurrected.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 3/15/06 p. 6 The Only Remedy!: “Some committed sins for which there is no forgiveness. They are not in Hades (mankind’s common grave) but in Gehenna, a symbolic place of eternal destruction. (Matthew 23:33)</ref> Those of the "other sheep" who survive Armageddon without needing a resurrection, are referred to as the 'great crowd'.<ref>''The Watchtower'' 4/15/95 p. 31 Questions From Readers: “In summary, we might remember “other sheep” as the broader term, encompassing all of God’s servants having the hope of living forever on earth. It includes the more limited category of sheeplike ones today who are being gathered as a “great crowd” with the hope of living right through the impending great tribulation”.</ref>

==Eschatology==
{{Main|Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses}}
Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ returned invisibly and began to rule in heaven as king in October 1914.<ref>"Christ’s Presence—What Does It Mean to You?", ''The Watchtower'', February 15, 2008, page 21.</ref> They assert that the Greek word ''parousia'' (translated in most English Bible translations as ''coming'' when referring to Christ) is more accurately rendered ''presence'', with his return perceived only as a series of "signs". As such, the [[Second Coming]] is considered an invisible presence, lasting for an extended period of time.<ref>"Jesus’ Coming or Jesus’ Presence—Which?", ''The Watchtower'', August 15, 1996, p. 12.</ref> They believe that when Jesus became king, Satan was ousted from heaven to the earth, bringing a period of "woe" to mankind.<ref>''The Watchtower'', February 1, 1996, p6.</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> based on their belief that the [[Siege of Jerusalem (587 BC)|destruction of Jerusalem]] and the beginning of the [[Babylonian captivity]] both occurred in 607 BCE. (The secularly accepted date for the fall of Jerusalem is within a year of 587 BCE; exiles were taken in various years, with most Jews exiled to Babylon following the [[Siege of Jerusalem (597 BCE)|siege of Jerusalem of 597 BCE]].) They believe that [[Book of Daniel|Daniel]] chapter 4 prophesied a period of 2,520 years starting with 607 BCE and ending at 1914 CE.<ref>{{cite book| last = Gruss| first = Edmond C.| title = The Jehovah's Witnesses and Prophetic Speculation| publisher = Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co| year = 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, 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&mdash;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 those of the 144,000 (the "anointed") who had already died to heavenly life; since 1918, any "anointed" are individually resurrected to heavenly life at the time of their death to serve as kings alongside Christ in his heavenly government.<ref>''Revelation&mdash;Its Grand Climax At Hand!'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, page 102-104.</ref>

The current world era, or "system of things", is considered to be in its "[[End time|last days]]",<ref>"Deliverance by God’s Kingdom Is at Hand!", ''The Watchtower'', May 15, 2008, page 15.</ref> facing imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God acceptably. This judgment will begin with the destruction by the [[United Nations]] of false religion, which they identify as "[[Babylon the great#Jehovah.27s Witnesses|Babylon the Great]]", or the "harlot", of [[Book of Revelation|Revelation]] 17.<ref>''Revelation – Its Grand Climax at Hand'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, pages 235-236.</ref> This will mark the beginning of the [[tribulation|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 [[Armageddon]], 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> The Society's 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, Satan will be abyssed and unable to influence humanity, then God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth,<ref>''The Watchtower'', September 1, 1959, pp. 530-531 par. 15.</ref><ref>[http://www.watchtower.org/e/20051201/article_02.htm Armageddon—A Happy Beginning Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site]</ref> which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the [[Garden of Eden]].<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|p=180}}.</ref>

Most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for [[Millenarianism|the thousand years]] referred to in [[Book of Revelation|Revelation]] 20.<ref>''The Watchtower'', May 15, 2006, p 6.</ref><ref name="Pentonsal">{{Cite book| last = Penton | first = M.J. | title = Apocalypse Delayed | publisher = University of Toronto Press | year = 1997 | pages = 186-187 | isbn = 0-8020-7973-3, 9780802079732}}</ref> This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection rather than 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 released to mislead perfect mankind;<ref>''The Watchtower'', May 1, 2005, p. 20.</ref> Satan and any who fail the test will be destroyed, leaving a fully tested, perfect human race who will live forever.<ref>''The Watchtower'', August 15, 2006, p. 31</ref><ref name="Pentonsal" /> 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>

==Defection==
Watch Tower Society 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 method for baptized members to leave the religion on good terms.<ref name=holdendefect>{{Harvnb|Holden|2002|pp=150–170}}.</ref> Those who 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 [[antichrist]].<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 remain affiliated out of fear of being shunned and losing contact with friends and family members.<ref name=holdendefect />

==Apostasy==

Watch Tower Society publications define [[apostasy]] as the abandonment of the worship and service of God by members of the Christian congregation, and equate it with rebellion against God.<ref name="reasonapost">''Reasoning From the Scriptures'', pages 34-35.</ref> Apostate behavior is said to include the rejection of biblical teachings or requirements, the rejection of Jehovah’s organization, association with or support for another religion<ref name="question85">Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', July 15, 1985, page 30-31.</ref> and celebration of religious holidays.<ref>''Pay Attention To Yourselves and to All the Flock'', Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, pages 94-95.</ref> It is grounds for expulsion from the religion and subsequent shunning. The "identifying marks" of apostates are said to include attempts to gain followers, disregard for the Witnesses’ preaching activity, rejection of God's visible organization, public criticism of other Witnesses and attempts to hinder their work.<ref name="reasonapost" /> Other identifying behavior is said to include deviation from the truth, twisted, empty speech, hypocrisy and involvement in deeper forms of ungodliness.<ref name="solid">"Remain Solid in the Faith", ''The Watchtower'', August 1, 1980, pages 17-21.</ref> Watch Tower Society literature says apostates are motivated by vitriolic bitterness and that their writings are poisonous, distorted and false, display the characteristics of "cunning, contrived error, prideful intelligence, lack of love and dishonesty" and are designed to undermine the faith of Jehovah’s Witnesses.<ref>"At Which Table Are You Feeding", ''The Watchtower'', July 1, 1994, pages 11-12.</ref> Apostates are described as proud, independent, ungrateful and presumptuous,<ref name="solid" /> mentally diseased,<ref>"Will You Heed Jehovah's Clear Warnings?", ''The Watchtower'', July 15, 2011, page 16.</ref><ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/war-of-words-breaks-out-among-jehovahs-witnesses-2361448.html Jerome Taylor, "War of words breaks out among Jehovah's Witnesses", The Independent, September 27, 2011.]</ref> displaying jealousy, fits of anger and other unchristian conduct and are said to often fall victim to drunken bouts, loose conduct and fornication.<ref name="solid" />

Witnesses who are defined as apostates are said to have become part of the [[antichrist]]<ref name="question85" /> and are regarded as more reprehensible than non-Witnesses.<ref name="question85" /> They are described as "anti-God" and doomed to destruction.<ref>"Why So Many Christian Sects?" ''The Watchtower'', March 15, 1975, page 167.</ref> Witnesses are told they must loathe and hate in the "biblical sense of the word" those who are defined as apostates and show no curiosity about their ideas.<ref>"Search Through Me, Oh God," ''The Watchtower'', October 1, 1993, page 19.</ref> Apostates must be shunned and Witnesses are warned that those who greet one become "a sharer in his wicked works".<ref name="question85" />

==Education==
[[File:Estudo.jpg|thumb|right|Jehovah's Witnesses are directed to study the Bible using Watch Tower Society publications]]
Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to make their preaching work the top priority in their life. Higher education is discouraged,<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=271-273}}</ref> based on their belief that it is futile to plan for secular advancement in a world that faces imminent destruction, as well as fears about succumbing to "worldly thinking" and concerns that advanced education might lead to a lack of humility or involvement in immorality.<ref>"Remain Without Spot From the World", ''The Watchtower'', October 1, 1984, p. 17 par. 10.</ref><ref>"Repudiate Valueless Things", ''The Watchtower'', April 15, 2008, page 4.</ref><ref>"Parents—What Future Do You Want for Your Children?", ''The Watchtower'', October 1, 2005, pages 26-29.</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 Holden cites as a source of regret in subsequent years among those who are raised in the organization and later choose to leave.<ref name=holdeneducation /> Watch Tower Society 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 young Witnesses to 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 and the social sciences, "disciplines that are most threatening to the Witness world-view."<ref>{{Harvnb|Penton|1997|pp=314–315}}.</ref>

Jehovah's Witnesses provide [[Jehovah's Witnesses teaching programs|religious training programs for their members]], which focus on improving skills for their ministry. These include the congregational Theocratic Ministry School, and other programs for specific ranks, such as the Pioneer Service School, Bible School for Single Brothers and [[Watchtower Bible School of Gilead|Gilead School]]. Most of these programs are by invitation only.{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}}

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==Bibliography==
*{{cite book |last=Holden |first=Andrew |authorlink= |title=Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement |publisher=[[Routledge]] |year=2002 |location=|isbn=0-415-26610-6}}
*{{cite book |last=Penton |first=James M. |authorlink=James Penton |title=Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses |publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]] |year=1997 |edition=2nd |location= |isbn=0-8020-7973-3}}
*{{cite book| last = Franz| first = Raymond| authorlink = Raymond Franz| title = Crisis of Conscience| publisher = Commentary Press| date = 2002| isbn = 0-914675-23-0}}
*{{Cite book|author=Franz, Raymond|title=In Search of Christian Freedom|publisher=Commentary Press|year=2007|isbn=0-914675-16-8}}</ref>

==External links==
* [http://www.watchtower.org Official Web Site of the Jehovah's Witnesses]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Beliefs And Practices Of Jehovah's Witnesses}}
[[Category:Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses| ]]

[[el:Πρακτικές των Μαρτύρων του Ιεχωβά]]
[[es:Anexo:Creencias de los testigos de Jehová]]
[[fr:Doctrine des Témoins de Jéhovah]]
[[ia:Credentias del Testes de Jehovah]]
[[ml:യഹോവയുടെ സാക്ഷികളുടെ വിശ്വാസങ്ങൾ]]
[[no:Jehovas vitners lære og tjenesteliv]]
[[pl:Doktryna Świadków Jehowy]]
[[pt:Doutrinas das Testemunhas de Jeová]]
[[sv:Jehovas vittnens tro]]
[[zh:耶和华见证人的信条]]

Revision as of 23:37, 27 March 2012

Part of a series on
Jehovah's Witnesses
Overview
Organizational structure
History
Demographics
Literature
Places
People
Watch Tower presidents
Formative influences
Notable former members
Notable scholars
Criticism
Opposition

The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses are based on the Bible teachings of Charles Taze Russell—founder of the Bible Student movement—and successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford and Nathan Homer Knorr.[1][2][3] Since 1976 all doctrinal decisions have been made by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses,[4] a group of elders at the religion's Brooklyn headquarters. These teachings are disseminated through The Watchtower magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, and at conventions and congregation meetings.[5] Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the present age of human existence is about to be terminated with the direct intervention of God, who will use Jesus Christ to fully establish his heavenly government over earth, destroying existing human governments and any who do not accept Jehovah as sovereign,[6][7] and creating a cleansed society of true worshippers. They see their mission as primarily evangelical (disseminating "good news"), to warn as many people as possible in the remaining time before Armageddon.[8][9] All members of the religion are expected to take an active part in preaching.[10] Witnesses refer to all their beliefs collectively as "the Truth".[11]

Source of doctrines

See also: Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine

Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by their Governing Body, which is said to represent God's "faithful and discreet slave class"[12][13][14][15] (the approximately 11,800 "anointed" Jehovah's Witnesses), which Witnesses believe is used by Christ as a channel for God's progressive revelations and to direct Christians on biblical matters.[16][17][18] The Governing Body seeks neither advice nor approval from any "anointed" Witnesses other than high-ranking members at the Brooklyn headquarters.[19][12][20]

Watch Tower Society publications describe doctrinal changes and refinements as resulting from a process of progressive revelation,[21] in which "holy spirit helps responsible representatives of “the faithful and discreet" slave at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood".[22] Watch Tower literature has suggested such enlightenment results from the application of reason and study,[23] the guidance of holy spirit, and direction from Jesus Christ and angels, [24] however, the Governing Body also disclaims infallibility and divine inspiration.[25][26][27] The religion makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings[28] and all Witnesses are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body.[29] Watch Tower Society publications strongly discourage Witnesses from formulating doctrines and "private ideas" reached through independent Bible research.[30][31][32][33] Members who promote privately-developed teachings contrary to those of the Governing Body may be expelled and shunned.[30][34][35]

Organization

See also: Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses
Organizational headquarters at Brooklyn, New york

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God uses an organization both in heaven and on earth, and that Jehovah's Witnesses, under the direction of their Governing Body, are the only visible channel by which God communicates with humanity.[36][37] The organization is said to be theocratic, "ruled from the divine Top down, and not from the rank and file up".[38] Witnesses teach that people must choose between God’s organization and Satan’s.[39][40] 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".[41]

Witnesses undergoing baptism are required to publicly confirm that they are associating themselves "with God's spirit-directed organization",[42] thereby submitting themselves to its direction and judicial system.[43] Watch Tower Society publications urge Witnesses to demonstrate loyalty to the organization without dissent,[44][45] even at the cost of family ties.[46] Loyalty to the organization is said to require full involvement in public preaching[47] and regular meeting attendance.[48]

Disagreement with the Watch Tower Society's concept of God's organization figured prominently in events that led to a 1980 purge of high-level members at the religion's Brooklyn headquarters. A summary by a Governing Body committee of "wrong teachings" being promoted as "new understandings" included the suggestion that God did not have an organization on earth.[49] Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz, who was expelled as part of the purge, subsequently criticized the Watch Tower concept of organization,[50] claiming the concept—which posits that God does not deal with individuals apart from an organization—has no scriptural support and serves only to reinforce the religion's authority structure, with its strong emphasis on human authority.[51] He also claimed that The Watchtower has repeatedly blurred discussions of both Jesus Christ's loyalty to God and the apostles' loyalty to Christ to promote the view that Witnesses should be loyal to the Watch Tower Society.[52] Sociologist Andrew Holden has observed that Witnesses see no distinction between loyalty to Jehovah and to the movement itself,[53] and other researchers have claimed that challenging the views of those higher up the hierarchical ladder is regarded as tantamount to challenging God himself.[54]

Restoration of "true" Christianity

See also: History of Jehovah's Witnesses and Restorationism (Christian primitivism)

Witnesses believe that after the death of the apostles, the Church embarked on a "Great Apostasy", diverging from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. Influenced by Restorationism in the 19th century, Charles Taze Russell and his associates formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, developing teachings that they considered to be a revival of "the great truths taught by Jesus and the Apostles".[55] Watch Tower publications claim both the Great Apostasy and Russell's subsequent "restoration" of original Christianity[56] were a fulfilment of Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds at Matthew 13:24-30,36-43.[57] Although many of their fundamental teachings have changed over the years,[58] Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently claimed to be the only true religion.[59] Based on their interpretation of Revelation 18:2-24, Jehovah's Witnesses believe all other religions are part of "Babylon the Great", a "world empire of false religion" under the control of Satan; consequently, they refuse all ecumenical relations with other religious denominations.[60][61]

Bible

File:NewWorldTranslation blk-hdcovr.png
Jehovah's Witnesses prefer to use the New World Translation of the Bible
See also: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures

The entire Protestant canon of scripture is seen as the inspired, inerrant word of God.[62] Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be scientifically and historically accurate and reliable[63] and interpret much of it literally, while also accepting it contains much symbolism.[64] Jehovah's Witnesses base all of their beliefs on the Bible, as interpreted by the Governing Body.[65]

They use the terms Hebrew and Christian Greek Scriptures rather than Old and New Testament to avoid implication that the Old Testament is outdated or inferior.[66] They believe that the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) contain prophecy that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ,[67] and that the books of the Christian Greek Scriptures (New Testament) are primarily directed to the 144,000 chosen by God for life in heaven.[68] The Watch Tower Society's New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, the main translation used by Jehovah's Witnesses, reflects their view that God's name, as represented by the Tetragrammaton, should be rendered as "Jehovah", rather than "GOD" or "LORD" in all capital letters as found in translations such as the King James Version.

God

Main article: God in Abrahamic religions
See also: Jehovah and Nontrinitarianism

Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the Creator and Supreme Being. Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine, which they consider unscriptural.[69] They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit "person" separate from the Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is described as God's "active force", rather than the third person of the Trinity.[70] They believe God, whose personal name is Jehovah, is "infinite, but approachable"; he is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven;[71] it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend;[72] he is kind and merciful, and would not eternally "torture" wicked people.[73] 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.[74]

Witnesses teach that God must be distinguished by his personal name—Jehovah. The name is a common modern representation of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, or four-letter name, transliterated as YHWH.[75] The use of his personal name is regarded as vital for true worship,[76] and Witnesses usually preface the term God with the name Jehovah.[77] The term Lord, although common in the Bible, is rarely used by Witnesses when speaking about God.[77] Because no other religion uses the name Jehovah with the same prevalence, they believe only their religion is making God's name known.[78]

Jesus Christ

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's "only begotten" son, and that his life began in heaven.[79] He is described as God's first creation and the "exact representation of God",[80] 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.[81] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Archangel, Michael, "the Word" of John 1:1, and wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 refer to Jesus in his pre-human existence. His birth on earth was accomplished when he willingly allowed himself to be transferred, by God, from heaven to the womb of the virgin, Mary.[82] While on earth, Jesus was executed as a sacrifice to atone for mankind's sins, becoming the "eternal father" to the human family.[83]

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"[84] referred to in Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, and Hebrews 9:15; 12:24, directly mediating only

  1. ^ Penton 1997, pp. 13.
  2. ^ Franz 2002, p. 106.
  3. ^ "5". Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. p. 42.
  4. ^ "United in Love—Annual Meeting Report". The Watchtower: 3. 15 June 2010. In 1976, all activities of Jehovah's Witnesses were brought under the supervision of the six committees of the Governing Body.
  5. ^ 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."
  6. ^ "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."
  7. ^ Worship the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, page 179.
  8. ^ "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."
  9. ^ Holden 2002, p. 7.
  10. ^ Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. Routledge. p. 71-76. ISBN 0-415-26609-2.
  11. ^ Holden 2002, p. 71.
  12. ^ a b "The faithful steward and its governing body", The Watchtower, June 15, 2009, page 20.
  13. ^ "Seek God's guidance in all things", The Watchtower, April 15, 2008, page 11.
  14. ^ "How the Governing Body Is Organized", The Watchtower, May 15, 2008, page 29.
  15. ^ You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. Watchtower Society. 1989. p. 195.
  16. ^ Organized to Do Jehovah's Will, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, page 16.
  17. ^ "Jehovah, the God of Progressive Revelation", Watchtower, June 15, 1964, page 365, "The abundance of spiritual food and the amazing details of Jehovah’s purposes that have been revealed to Jehovah’s anointed witnesses are clear evidence that they are the ones mentioned by Jesus when he foretold a 'faithful and discreet slave' class that would be used to dispense God’s progressive revelations in these last days ... How thankful we should be for the provision God has made of this slave class, the modern spiritual remnant, as they faithfully dispense the revealed truths of Jehovah! ... Jehovah’s faithful witnesses have been progressively brought to an understanding of Jehovah’s purposes, which are clearer now than ever before in history."
  18. ^ Watchtower August 1, 2001 p. 14 paragraph 8, "A mature Christian ... does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and 'the faithful and discreet slave.'"
  19. ^ "Question From Readers", "The Watchtower", August 15, 2011, page 22
  20. ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. pp. 152–164. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
  21. ^ Penton 1997, pp. 165–171.
  22. ^ "The Spirit Searches into the Deep Things of God", The Watchtower, July 15, 2010, page 23, "When the time comes to clarify a spiritual matter in our day, holy spirit helps responsible representatives of 'the faithful and discreet slave' at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood. The Governing Body as a whole considers adjusted explanations. What they learn, they publish for the benefit of all."
  23. ^ Penton 1997, p. 165.
  24. ^ J. F. Rutherdford, Preparation, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1933, page 64, 67, "Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings great peace and consolation to them. Again Zechariah talked with the angel of the Lord, which shows that the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones ... Those of the remnant, being honest and true, must say, We do not know; and the Lord enlightens them, sending his angels for that very purpose."
  25. ^ "To Whom Shall We Go but Jesus Christ?", The Watchtower, March 1, 1979, pages 23-24.
  26. ^ "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower, October 15, 1954, page 638.
  27. ^ "Name and Purpose of The Watchtower", The Watchtower, August 15, 1950, page 263.
  28. ^ Beckford, James A. (1975). The Trumpet of Prophecy: A Sociological Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. pp. 84, 89, 92, 119–120. ISBN 0-631-16310-7.
  29. ^ Holden 2002, p. 22.
  30. ^ a b "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower April 1, 1986 pp. 30-31.
  31. ^ "Make Your Advancement Manifest", The Watchtower, August 1, 2001, page 14, "Since oneness is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and the faithful and discreet slave."
  32. ^ "Jehovah’s Theocratic Organization Today", Watchtower, February 1, 1952, pages 79, 80.
  33. ^ 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."
  34. ^ Ronald Lawson, "Sect-State Relations: Accounting for the Differing Trajectories of Seventh-day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses", Sociology of Religion, 1995, 56:4 pg 371
  35. ^ Botting, Heather (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. pp. 143, 153–165. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ "Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Organization?", The Watchtower, June 15, 1998.
  37. ^ "The Visible Part of God’s Organization", The Watchtower, May 1, 1981.
  38. ^ "Theocratic Organization with Which to Move Forward Now", The Watchtower, December 15, 1971, page 754.
  39. ^ "Directing Interest to the Organization", Our Kingdom Ministry, March 1987, page 3.
  40. ^ "Restoration of True Religion Today", The Watchtower, March 1, 1954, page 151.
  41. ^ The Watchtower, October 1, 1967; cited in Penton 1997, p. 163.
  42. ^ Franz 2007, p. 118.
  43. ^ Holden 2002, p. 33.
  44. ^ "Meeting the Challenge of Loyalty", The Watchtower, March 15, 1996, page 16.
  45. ^ "Building Disciples Having the Quality of Endurance", The Watchtower, April 1, 1970, page 213.
  46. ^ "Do Not Resist Jehovah’s Counsel", The Watchtower, July 15, 1965, page 435.
  47. ^ "Loyalty to theocratic organization", Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1, 1953.
  48. ^ "Serve Jehovah Loyally", The Watchtower, November 15, 1992, page 21.
  49. ^ Franz 2002, p. 316.
  50. ^ Franz 2007, p. 449.
  51. ^ Franz 2007, pp. 449–464, "Loyalty to the organization becomes the touchstone, the criterion, the "bottom line", when it comes to determining whether one is a faithful Christian or not ... to make any organizational loyalty the criterion for judging anyone's Christianity is, then, clearly a perversion of Scripture ... Read the whole of those Scriptures ,,, nowehere are we taught to put faith in men or in an earthly organization, unquestioningly following its lead ... the entire Bible record is a continual reminder of the danger inherent in that kind of trust."
  52. ^ Franz 2007, p. 458.
  53. ^ Holden 2002, p. 121.
  54. ^ Botting, Heather (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 156. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  55. ^ Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, December 1, 1916, R6010: page 371.
  56. ^ "Religion’s Future in View of Its Past", Awake!, October 22, 1989, p. 17.
  57. ^ "Is religion at the root of Mankind's problem?", The Watchtower, February 15, 2004, page 5.
  58. ^ Franz 2002, pp. 183–184.
  59. ^ Reasoning from the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 203.
  60. ^ Holden 2002, p. 1.
  61. ^ "Take Refuge in the Name of Jehovah". The Watchtower: 3. January 15, 2011.
  62. ^ Penton 1997, p. 172.
  63. ^ All Scripture is Inspired of God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, page 336.
  64. ^ "Obedience to the Good News a Way of Life", The Watchtower, October 15, 1977, page 618.
  65. ^ Reasoning From The Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 199-208.
  66. ^ "Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures—Which?", The Watchtower March 1, 1995, p. 19.
  67. ^ "We Have Found the Messiah"!, The Watchtower, October 1, 1992, p. 10.
  68. ^ United In Worship of the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1983, p. 111.
  69. ^ Holden 2002, p. 24.
  70. ^ Should You Believe in the Trinity?, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 14, 20.
  71. ^ Insight In The Scriptures volume 1, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, p. 969.
  72. ^ "Is God Everywhere?", Awake! March 8, 1995, p. 21.
  73. ^ "Eternal Torment — Why a Disturbing Doctrine?", The Watchtower, April 15, 1993, p. 5.
  74. ^ "God’s Wisdom in Dealing with Mankind", Awake!, June 8, 1971, page 12.
  75. ^ Penton 1997, p. 184.
  76. ^ "Who Are Giving God Glory Today?", The Watchtower, October 1, 2004, page 12.
  77. ^ a b Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. p. 494. ISBN 0-914675-16-8. The fact remains that today no religious group of any size uses the name "Jehovah" with such intense frequency as does that of Jehovah's Witnesses. That name predominates throughout their literature. Among Jehovah's Witnesses it has become almost strange to speak of "God" without prefacing the term by saying "Jehovah God", while the term "Lord" is quite rare in their expressions. They read "Lord" in the Bible but hardly ever use it in their own speech extemporaneously. It is almost a liturgical form for them in most prayers to initially address these to "Jehovah" or "Jehovah God".
  78. ^ Franz 2007, p. 489
  79. ^ Insight On The Scriptures volume 2, p. 52 Jesus Christ
  80. ^ Worship the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 2002, p. 184
  81. ^ "What Do the Scriptures Say About 'the Divinity of Christ'?, The Watchtower January 15, 1992 p. 20-23.
  82. ^ Jesus? The Ruler "Whose Origin Is From Early Times", The Watchtower, June 15, 1998, p. 22.
  83. ^ Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace”, chap. 20 p. 163 par. 8 A Happy Human Family Under a New Fatherhood
  84. ^ "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."
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