Jahovas Witnesses

:& Ok my cousin has chosen Jahovas Witness as his religion whish is great I beleive all people should choose their own beliefs and follow them. However I know nothing of the religion and would like to be able to understand. Does anyone know about this religion that could help me with information on it? I know the celebrate anniversaries but no other holidays, they can drink beer but not cuss but that is it. Please help if you can.

 

Google Jehovahs Witnesses and read all about it.


Bustramp

 

I should have my husband post on this thread. He's an ex-Jehovah's Witness who left the "cult" 14 years ago. Then again, everything he would have to say about Jehovah's Witnesses would be extremely negative because he's still harboring a lot of anger and resentment over being raised that way.

 

As someone who is being raised as a JW (I don't believe in it, but my parents don't have to know that) they are a good religon if you take The Bible mostly literally(they don't take it all literal just most of it.)

They don't believe in Hell
Don't celbrate Hoidays (Snice all of them are "Christianized" pagan celebrations)
Believe that the dead are, well...just dead till Armeggedon and God raises them and puts them in Paradise.
144000 will go to heavan after Armeggedon
Observe the Memorial of Christ's death
Don't believe in the Trinity

Go to their offical website for info, most other sites are ethier wrong or biased agansit them.

You don't leave a religon becuase of "Boo hoo I did not get to do what I want", really if that's your reason then get over it. Dating is overated anyway and you can just beg for presants after the Christmas season anyway. You leave becuase you find it illogical and unscientfic.

 

Well the problem with the JWs is they did not believe the orginal Bible, they felt that it contained a number of mistakes, and as a result the founder of their faith, Charels Taz Russel said he was the only one who knew the truth. He then took it upon Himself to rewrite the Bible they have today.
The JWs Bible has literally thousands of changes made in it. Their Bible is not a translation, but rather a distortion. Any verse that did not agree with Russels belief had to be changed.

 

The JWs will tell you they follow the Bible, but their founder Charles Taz Russel believed that the orginal Bible was full of mistakes, and he also believed he was the only one who knew the truth. Because of this, he changed thousands of verses in their Bible so it would agree with his belief. Now what the JWs are left with is a distortion of the orginal Bible. And JWs are told that they can only know the truth, if they read from their modified Bible.

 

My dad says Jehovas Witnesses harvest and fester on human children

 

My aunt was a JW - and recently died because she wouldn't accept blood. That's the height of thickness, if you ask me!!

 

Thanks for all your guys suggestion I will furtther research it to understand his choice better.

 

JW's do actually follow the same bible. The words are different, yes, but if you read from the original bible and the New World Translation, they say the same thing. The same idea is portrayed. I know of some that read from the King James version. I was raised as a JW. My entire family is JW. I did not follow that path. I am taoist. Unless you have read the both bible's cover to cover, no one can say that they dont have the same message. Its not that the New World Translation says what CTR wanted it to say, but they interpet it differently than others. I have studied out of many different versions of the bible and have not found a difference.

This is not true.

Hahah... also not true

Jw's such as her feel that they die for their religion.


The question was for information on what they believe not for a biased opinion. I, personally do not judge any religion. Some may think that people are wrong, but who is to judge what is wrong and what is not?? Live and let live.

 

Probably the best way to describe JWs is that its a 'quasi'Christian church.
Maybe 'pseudo' is another term.
Some say its a 'Cult'.

The point is that JWs are not considered part of 'orthodox christianity' or part of the 'church as a whole'.
Sorta like Mormonism in that sense.

The main reason for this distinction is because they teach a different understanding of the nature of God.
For example, they do not think Jesus is God or any part of a Godhead (in the sense of the Trinity).
So,
Thats why they are considered 'something else' from traditional orthodox Christianity.

Other issues like blood transfusion, end times interpretations are all sorta 'secondary' issues really.

Its the nature of God that is the 'deal breaker'.

Id encourage your Cuz to get away from there. Its just legalism and contrived doctrines.
Not cool.

 

On the New World Translation:
New World Translation

Definition: A translation of the Holy Scriptures made directly from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into modern-day English by a committee of anointed witnesses of Jehovah. These expressed themselves regarding their work as follows: “The translators of this work, who fear and love the Divine Author of the Holy Scriptures, feel toward Him a special responsibility to transmit his thoughts and declarations as accurately as possible. They also feel a responsibility toward the searching readers who depend upon a translation of the inspired Word of the Most High God for their everlasting salvation.” This translation was originally released in sections, from 1950 to 1960. Editions in other languages have been based on the English translation.

On what is the “New World Translation” based?

As a basis for translating the Hebrew Scriptures, the text of Rudolf Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica, editions of 1951-1955, was used. The 1984 revision of the New World Translation benefited from updating in harmony with the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia of 1977. Additionally, the Dead Sea Scrolls and numerous early translations into other languages were consulted. For the Christian Greek Scriptures, the master Greek text of 1881 as prepared by Westcott and Hort was used primarily, but several other master texts were consulted as well as numerous early versions in other languages.

Who were the translators?

When presenting as a gift the publishing rights to their translation, the New World Bible Translation Committee requested that its members remain anonymous. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania has honored their request. The translators were not seeking prominence for themselves but only to honor the Divine Author of the Holy Scriptures.

Over the years other translation committees have taken a similar view. For example, the jacket of the Reference Edition (1971)*of the New American Standard Bible states: “We have not used any scholar’s name for reference or recommendations because it is our belief God’s Word should stand on its merits.”

Is it really a scholarly translation?

Since the translators have chosen to remain anonymous, the question cannot here be answered in terms of their educational background. The translation must be appraised on its own merits.

What kind of translation is this? For one thing, it is an accurate, largely literal translation from the original languages. It is not a loose paraphrase, in which the translators leave out details that they consider unimportant and add ideas that they believe will be helpful. As an aid to students, a number of editions provide extensive footnotes showing variant readings where expressions can legitimately be rendered in more than one way, also a listing of the specific ancient manuscripts on which certain renderings are based.

Some verses may not read the same as what a person is accustomed to. Which rendering is right? Readers are invited to examine manuscript support cited in footnotes of the Reference edition of the New World Translation, read explanations given in the appendix, and compare the rendering with a variety of other translations. They will generally find that some other translators have also seen the need to express the matter in a similar manner.

on being a cult:

Is it fair to say that Jehovah’s Witnesses are a small fringe religious group? In a sense, Jehovah’s Witnesses are few in number compared to some religions. However, recall what Jesus said: “Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.”—Matthew 7:13,*14.

At any rate, the Witnesses are far from being a small fringe cult. In the spring of 1993, more than 11 million people attended the Witnesses’ Memorial of Christ’s death. But more important than their number are their moral character and exemplary behavior, which have brought them worldwide commendation. Undoubtedly this has been a factor in countries that have given them official recognition as a known, bona fide religion.

Cult members often isolate themselves from family, friends, and even society in general. Is that the case with Jehovah’s Witnesses? “I do not belong to Jehovah’s Witnesses,” wrote a newsman in the Czech Republic. Yet he added: “It is obvious that they [Jehovah’s Witnesses] have tremendous moral strength. .*.*. They recognize governmental authorities but believe that only God’s Kingdom is capable of solving all human problems. But watch it—they are not fanatics. They are people who are absorbed in humanity.”

And they do not live in communes, isolating themselves from relatives and others. Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that it is their Scriptural responsibility to love and care for their families. They live and work with people of all races and religions. When disasters strike, they are quick to respond with relief supplies and other humanitarian assistance.

More important, they are engaged in an educational program that has no comparison. How many religions have an organized system to pay personal visits to every individual in their community? Jehovah’s Witnesses do this in more than 200 lands and in more than 200 languages! Clearly, Jehovah’s Witnesses are “absorbed in humanity.”



On their strict adherance to the bible:

Admittedly, the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses are different from those provided by the churches. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jehovah is the almighty God and that Jesus is his Son, not part of a triune deity. Their faith is anchored in the belief that God’s Kingdom alone can bring relief to suffering humanity. They warn people of the imminent destruction of this corrupt system of things. They preach about God’s promise of an earthly paradise for obedient mankind. They do not venerate the cross. They do not celebrate Christmas. They believe that the soul is mortal and that there is no hellfire. They will not eat blood, nor will they accept blood transfusions. They abstain from involvement in politics and participation in warfare. Have you ever asked yourself why the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses are so different?

A Massachusetts newspaper, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, explains that Jehovah’s Witnesses’ “strict interpretation of the Bible forbids many activities others take for granted .*.*. , all in an effort to follow the example of first-century Christians and the word of the Bible.” The Encyclopedia of Religion agrees that “all that they believe is based on the Bible. They ‘proof text’ (that is, supply a biblical citation to support) almost every statement of faith, taking for granted the authority of the Bible, which entirely supplants tradition.” The book Religion in America states: “The group has never wavered from its focus on Bible study, and its teachings are supported by an elaborate system of references to scripture.”





These are some more of the JW beliefs. Based on JW literature.

Often looking in from the outside is quite different then being part of the religion.

 

I feel so sorry for JW kids. I always see these fanatical nutjobs dragging their kids door to door after school and weekends. As if kids don’t have enough on their plate, school, homework, Sunday school… they have to dress them up and force / brainwash’em to do their evil biddings. That’s child abuse as far as I’m concerned.

 

cArRiE, Now I now they do not celebrate ANY holiday but why would the JWs not celebrate their birthdays but celebrate their wedding anniversary/ I really do not understand that. Also the, can have blood plasma transfusions but not a blood transfusion? The other question if the spirit is not immortal to JWs do the still study say the super natural persay one of the church memebers that we know told my sister this years ago. I wondered if he was just blowing smoke up her butt. My neighbordrinks beer but he can't cuss that really strikes me as funny. There are a lot of thing that just seem odd to me but I know alot of people think different aspects of any religion but their own are odd.

 

There is not a rule about not cussing. I have heard elders use profanity. It's Just the way they use it. If its a joke or something not aimed at somebody... ultimately it is a conscious matter, as they say. With the little things it is up to each individual what they do and do not do, based on their conscience.

The reason they do not celebrate birthdays is because it was not a biblical practice. The birthdays that were celebrated, are not portrayed in a favorable light. There are two examples of these in Gen. 40:20-22 and Matt. 14:6-10.

On the other hand, the sacred marriage arrangement is not portrayed in a bad light. Genesis 2:18-24; Matthew 19:4-6. John 2:1-11 states that Jesus both attended a marriage celebration and contributed to the pleasure of the occasion, thus it would not be strange that a couple might on their wedding anniversary take time to reflect on the joyfulness of that event and on their resolve to work for success as a couple.

They do not have blood plasma transfusions because it has the same components as pure blood. Acts 15:29 says to keep abstaining from blood. Not just animal blood, but human as well. There are many more scriptures that support their beliefs as well.

They do not study supernatural things.

Hope I helped. Feel free to ask more questions. : )

 

You are exaggerating a bit.

As I have said before, it is different looking in then actually being in the religion. The children are actually excited to do it. It is amazing that they cultivate a strong faith at such a young age. I feel it is something to be admired.

Please, educate yourself before you judge.

 

It often humiliating for the teenagers but then again so is being seen at the shopping centre with your parents or being 'made' to deliver flyers by your parents too.

Id like to ask questions about the JWs understanding of the very nature of God and Jesus Christ.

Is Jesus God or is he another created being?

Is Jesus really one in the same with the Archangel Micheal?

If I join the JWs can I still keep my Cat?

 

Ummm... since the translators are anonymous, and we can't judge their credentials and we aren't biblical scholars ourselves, how can we judge that the translation is "accurate and largely literal"?
Further, how does the church defend against biblical scholars that bring heavy critiques against the translation alleging gross inaccuracies?
Why should I trust the scholarship of someone that won't give me a reason to trust them and won't defend their own work?

Oh and I have a theological question for the JWs as well:
Is Jesus a true god or a false god?

 

We had some jehovas witnesses come to the door and they said hello
we are jehovas witnesses and I looked astonished and just said "I didnt know there'd been an accident". I said "I never saw anything did anyone get hurt"?

Well they just started mumbling something about the bible and so I said "hang on just a second. then I went and got my dictaphone and said I'm really busy right now - can you just record what you were going to say and post it back through the door to me?

well they sort of laughed nervously like I might not have meant it but I left it with them and then closed the door - 10 seconds l;ater they posted it back through - empty !

Never heard from them again

I'm planning to convince them I am christ next time

 

These are some things i got from JW literature.

Is Jesus God or is he another created being?-​

​

John 17:3, RS: "[Jesus prayed to his Father:] This is eternal life, that they know thee the only true God ["who alone art truly God," NE], and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (Notice that Jesus referred not to himself but to his Father in heaven as "the only true God.")
​

John 20:17, RS: "Jesus said to her [Mary Magdalene], ‘Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’" (So to the resurrected Jesus, the Father was God, just as the Father was God to Mary Magdalene. Interestingly, not once in Scripture do we find the Father addressing the Son as "my God.")
​

See also pages 411, 416, 417, under the heading "Trinity."
​

Does​

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John 1:1 prove that Jesus is God?
​

John 1:1, RS: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [also KJ, JB, Dy, Kx, NAB]." NE reads "what God was, the Word was." Mo says "the Logos was divine." AT and Sd tell us "the Word was divine." The interlinear rendering of ED is "a god was the Word." NW reads "the Word was a god"; NTIV uses the same wording.
​

What is it that these translators are seeing in the Greek text that moves some of them to refrain from saying "the Word was God"? The definite article (the) appears before the first occurrence of the·os´ (God) but not before the second. The articular (when the article appears) construction of the noun points to an identity, a personality, whereas a singular anarthrous (without the article) predicate noun before the verb (as the sentence is constructed in Greek) points to a quality about someone. So the text is not saying that the Word (Jesus) was the same as the God with whom he was but, rather, that the Word was godlike, divine, a god. (See 1984 Reference edition of NW, p. 1579.)
​

What did the apostle John mean when he wrote John 1:1? Did he mean that Jesus is himself God or perhaps that Jesus is one God with the Father? In the same chapter, verse 18, John wrote: "No one ["no man," KJ, Dy] has ever seen God; the only Son ["the only-begotten god," NW], who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known." (RS) Had any human seen Jesus Christ, the Son? Of course! So, then, was John saying that Jesus was God? Obviously not. Toward the end of his Gospel, John summarized matters, saying: "These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, [not God, but] the Son of God."—John 20:31, RS.

Is Jesus really one in the same with the Archangel Micheal?

The name of this Michael appears only five times in the Bible. The glorious spirit person who bears the name is referred to as "one of the chief princes," "the great prince who has charge of your [Daniel’s] people," and as "the archangel." (Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9, RS) Michael means "Who Is Like God?" The name evidently designates Michael as the one who takes the lead in upholding Jehovah’s sovereignty and destroying God’s enemies.
​

At 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (RS), the command of Jesus Christ for the resurrection to begin is described as "the archangel’s call," and Jude 9 says that the archangel is Michael. Would it be appropriate to liken Jesus’ commanding call to that of someone lesser in authority? Reasonably, then, the archangel Michael is Jesus Christ. (Interestingly, the expression "archangel" is never found in the plural in the Scriptures, thus implying that there is only one.)
​

Revelation 12:7-12 says that Michael and his angels would war against Satan and hurl him and his wicked angels out of heaven in connection with the conferring of kingly authority on Christ. Jesus is later depicted as leading the armies of heaven in war against the nations of the world. (Rev. 19:11-16) Is it not reasonable that Jesus would also be the one to take action against the one he described as "ruler of this world," Satan the Devil? (John 12:31) Daniel 12:1 (RS) associates the ‘standing up of Michael’ to act with authority with "a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time." That would certainly fit the experience of the nations when Christ as heavenly executioner takes action against them. So the evidence indicates that the Son of God was known as Michael before he came to earth and is known also by that name since his return to heaven where he resides as the glorified spirit Son of God.


If I join the JWs can I still keep my Cat?

No. they sacrifice those.




... just kidding...