What exactly is a Jehova Witness?

[Shainie]

We have a Jehova Witness couple that comes to our house 1-2 times a month to share the word with us. They're a super nice couple, so I don't mind letting them in.

What exactly is it that they believe in that's different than a Christian? Is their purpose mainly to share the word, or do they try to convert?

I'm just curious, because I really have no idea what that religion is about.

They've asked if they could come some evening and sit down and go more into depth on things, but I turned them down for now.

Anyway - just wondering if someone can give me some info. TIA!

[ShainaT]

I do know that they don't celebrate birthdays at all. I don't think they celebrate any holidays. Just wedding anniversaries. Must not be fun to be a kid in that religion.

They have a whacked-out reputation and most religions don't take them seriously.

When you say that they "share the word" with you what does that mean exactly? They must not be doing a good job at it.


P.S. Rae Ann- Love the avatar! That must be handsome Bronson with you. Nice to put a face with your name too.

[Pipanella]

Here are some websites that might help you, Shainie:

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and here is what Jehovah's Witnesses say:

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[YorkieLover]

I have a lot of family who are Jehovah's Witnesses. They are Christians and all their teachings are from the Bible. If you think they have a 'whacked-out reputation', then you don't know them personally. As in every group of people, there are good and bad, and hopefully eventually the bad get weeded out. The Witnesses I know are kind and caring people, they do have an obligation to share Bible teachings, and if you think it's easy to go to a stranger's door, think again. They do not do it because they're brainwashed or are 'selling anything'. In fact, they buy their own literature to distribute, and they might ask for a donation to cover printing costs, or just give them away. They use their own cars, gas, and time - they are not paid or reimbursed for anything. If you show interest in the Bible, they will help you to learn more, eventually offering you a Bible Study. It is your choice if you want to take it further than that, of course.

They do honor marriage, being that it's sanctioned by God, so wedding anniversaries are fine, but for the most part, it is a family celebration. A monumental anniversary, like a 20th or 50th anniversary, things like that, the whole congregation will have a get-together. They do have an annual celebration of the Passover, which Jesus, in the Bible, asked that it be commemorated every year. They do have get-togethers quite frequently, for association and for the kids, things like talent shows, bbq's, game playing, or even just social dinners.

People make or buy gifts for each other ... when they feel like it ... not when it's 'expected' of them. I think that's a great idea - it comes from the heart, then. There are no big stresses to overspend during certain times of the year, and I would think that also is a nice thing.

I know they are very family-oriented, and on the whole, a very nice group of people, so I get a little unhappy when people put them down when they don't even know them. There are some that might be very outspoken and zealous - and you'll find that in any group of people - but for the most part, they are mild and very morally-conscious people ... something not so easy to do in this day and age!

BTW, I do like your avatar, too.

[Pipanella]

YorkieLover, I hope you don't think that I'm putting down JW. I, too, know some very lovely people that are JW. Though I don't agree with their theology, they absolutely DO have some wonderful practices in their lives.

[YorkieLover]

Pip ... no, I did not think you were putting them down. I took so long writing it, I did not see your post before I replied. It's just that I have seen threads here and other places on this topic, and I've never commented before, but I know they can get heated and sometimes hateful ... and I think there is just so much misunderstanding/rumors that get passed around. I wanted to get my two cents in, that's all.

[Pipanella]

Gotcha, YorkieLover, and understood. And you're absolutely right. Don't you think that's the case of so many misunderstandings? That people don't take the time to check it out for themselves, and make their OWN decisions?

[YorkieLover]

Well said!

[mayor]

I'm sure people who are Jehovah's Witnesses are very sincere and kind people. However, the belief system is errant in too many ways to categorize. Here is a site with tons of great articles that deal with the Jehovah's Witnesses:

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This chart provides an excellent reference to see the difference between Biblical Christianity and Jehovah's Witnesses. The chasm is significant in key areas of doctrine.

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Remember, ANYONE can call themselves a Christian. The question we must ask is how does GOD define the word "Christian"?

Mayor

[Pipanella]

I'm looking through your links, Mayor, and came upon this:

Bible says: Before Christ, all went to Hades, after Christ only non-believers *Psalms 9:17, Matthew 23:33

Those verses say: The wicked shall be turned into ****, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalms 9:17)
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of ****? (Matthew 23:33)

So how is that all?

[Shainie]

Originally Posted by ShainaT

When you say that they "share the word" with you what does that mean exactly?

P.S. Rae Ann- Love the avatar! That must be handsome Bronson with you. Nice to put a face with your name too.

They read a few scriptures from the bible, and then they have a little booklet of their own (watchtower) that they read a part out of that goes along with that scripture.

And yep - that's my Bronson! It's a picture from a Chuck E. Cheese photo booth thing that we did last week. haha


YorkieLover Thanks for all of your information!

I'll have to check out all the links posted here a little later.

I do wish at times they wouldn't come. They normally come on Saturdays when I'm cleaning the bathroom or still in my underwear. lol But they're so nice, I can't just tell them to stop coming.

[mayor]

Originally Posted by Pipanella

I'm looking through your links, Mayor, and came upon this:

So how is that all?

I don't understand your question, Pip. Could you be more precise?

Mayor

[mayor]

Originally Posted by cujo0123

If you are unsure of your religion is has a test that will tell you what religion goes best with what you believe. I found that test to be accurate for me. Please share if you find anything interesting!

LOL.. I scored a 96... no surprise.

Mayor

[mayor]

Originally Posted by Shainie

They read a few scriptures from the bible, and then they have a little booklet of their own (watchtower) that they read a part out of that goes along with that scripture.

Just be aware that their Bible has been changed from the versions that have been traditionally accepted through scholarly translation for hundreds of years. In fact, some very key passages have been subtly changed so as to change key components of Christian doctrine. Small changes, but a very BIG difference in beliefs.

Remember, it only takes one drop of poison to make a glass of water deadly. A discerning mind will test everything to determine if it is true or not. People can be sincere, but they can also be sincerely wrong. :-)

Mayor

[Pipanella]

Okay, here is what I mean...... in that comparison chart, it says:

The Bible says: Before Christ, all went to Hades, after Christ only non-believers, then it uses *Psalms 9:17, Matthew 23:33 to back this statement up.

Those verses say: The wicked shall be turned into ****, and all the nations that forget God. (Psalms 9:17)
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of ****? (Matthew 23:33)

So how does that mean that before Christ, all people went to ****?