Jehovah's Witnesses Explained | What do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe? Who is Charles Taze Russell?

Summary

Jehovah's Witnesses, originating from the Bible student movement in the 1870s, follow beliefs rooted in the worship of Jehovah as the one true God. They reject the Trinity and believe Jesus is God's first creation, not divine. Their sacred text is the New World Translation of the Bible, and they emphasize the establishment of God's kingdom in 1914 and a future paradise on Earth. Known for their door-to-door evangelism, refusal of blood transfusions, and rejection of certain holidays and political participation, Jehovah's Witnesses maintain strict doctrines regarding salvation and communal living.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jehovah's Witnesses originated from the Bible Student movement in the late 18th century, founded by Charles Taz Russell in the 1870s.
• 😀 The term 'Jehovah's Witnesses' was adopted in 1931 to emphasize devotion to God Jehovah and the role of being messengers of God's kingdom.
• 😀 Jehovah's Witnesses believe in one God, Jehovah, who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and characterized by love, justice, and wisdom.
• 😀 They reject the doctrine of the Trinity, viewing Jesus and the Holy Spirit as distinct from God, with Jesus being the first and greatest creation of Jehovah.
• 😀 Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus was a perfect human who sacrificed himself for humanity's sins, but they do not believe in the traditional bodily resurrection of Jesus.
• 😀 Their sacred text is the New World Translation of the Bible, which they consider the most accurate and authoritative version.
• 😀 Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's kingdom was established in heaven in 1914 and will soon bring about a utopian Earthly Paradise.
• 😀 They believe in the concept of 144,000 individuals who will rule with Christ in heaven, while the rest of the faithful will live eternally on Earth.
• 😀 Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their door-to-door evangelism and public literature distribution, considering it their primary duty as witnesses of Jehovah.
• 😀 They refuse blood transfusions based on their interpretation of biblical passages, and they avoid certain activities, like celebrating birthdays and holidays, which they see as worldly or pagan.
• 😀 Jehovah's Witnesses are conscientious objectors to military service, avoid voting in political elections, and refrain from saluting the flag or singing the National Anthem, as they believe such acts are forms of idolatry.

Q & A

What is the origin of Jehovah's Witnesses?

Jehovah's Witnesses originated from the Bible student movement in the late 18th century, founded by Charles Taze Russell in the 1870s. Russell began publishing religious material and formed a Bible study group, later starting the magazine Zion's Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence in 1879.

What is the significance of the name 'Jehovah's Witnesses'?

In 1931, followers of Charles Taze Russell adopted the name 'Jehovah's Witnesses' to emphasize their devotion to God, Jehovah, and their role as messengers of God's kingdom.

What are the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding God?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe in one God, whom they call Jehovah. They assert that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, benevolent, and characterized by love, justice, and wisdom. They reject the doctrine of the Trinity and maintain that God is distinct from Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

How do Jehovah's Witnesses view Jesus Christ?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is the first and greatest creation of Jehovah but not divine. They see him as the Son of God, through whom God created the universe, and believe he lived a sinless life, sacrificing himself on a stake for humanity’s sins. They also reject the traditional Christian concept of Jesus’ bodily resurrection, viewing him as resurrected in spirit.

What version of the Bible do Jehovah's Witnesses use?

Jehovah's Witnesses primarily use the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, which is their own translation of the Bible. They consider it to be the most accurate and authoritative translation.

What is the core belief regarding God's kingdom in Jehovah's Witnesses?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's kingdom was established in heaven in 1914 and that it will soon bring about a utopian earthly paradise. They believe that the faithful will live in harmony with nature and each other in this restored paradise.

What is Armageddon in the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe in an impending cataclysmic event called Armageddon, during which God will destroy the wicked and establish His kingdom on Earth, leading to the fulfillment of His plan for a paradise on Earth.

What are some of the key religious practices of Jehovah's Witnesses?

Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their door-to-door evangelism and public literature distribution. They gather regularly for Bible study and worship at Kingdom Halls, which are simple and free of religious symbols. They also observe the Memorial of Christ's death annually, and only a select number of adherents partake in the Lord's evening meal.

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions?

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions based on their interpretation of biblical passages that prohibit consuming blood. They seek alternative medical treatments that do not involve blood transfusions.

What is the stance of Jehovah's Witnesses on political and social involvement?

Jehovah's Witnesses abstain from voting in political elections, serving in the military, and engaging in activities they consider to be incompatible with their faith, such as celebrating birthdays and holidays like Christmas and Easter, which they believe have pagan origins. They also refuse to salute the flag or sing the national anthem, viewing these acts as forms of idolatry.