Home  ›  Jehovah Willing Well Have an Opportunity to Do This Again

Jehovah Willing Well Have an Opportunity to Do This Again

Written By Saturday, May 14, 2022 Add Comment Edit

Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses

This article is nigh the activities and practices of Jehovah'due south Witnesses. For Jehovah'south Witnesses' core beliefs, see Jehovah'due south Witnesses beliefs.

Jehovah'southward Witnesses'due south practices are based on the biblical interpretations of Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916), founder (c. 1881) of the Bible Student move, and of successive presidents of the Scout Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford (from 1917 to 1942) and Nathan Homer Knorr (from 1942 to 1977). Since 1976, practices have also been based on decisions made at airtight meetings of the group'due south Governing Body.[one] [2] The grouping disseminates instructions regarding activities and adequate behavior through The Watchtower magazine and through other official publications, and at conventions and congregation meetings.

Jehovah'south Witnesses endeavor to remain "separate from the world",[3] which they regard equally a place of moral contagion and nether the command of Satan. Witnesses refuse to participate in any political and armed forces activity and are told to limit social contact with non-Witnesses.[iv] The denomination requires adherence to a strict moral lawmaking, which forbids premarital sex, homosexuality, gender transitioning,[5] adultery, smoking, drunkenness and drug abuse, and blood transfusions.[six] A system of judicial committees maintains field of study within congregations, exercising the ability to expel members who breach the denomination's rules and to need their shunning by other Witnesses.[7] The threat of shunning also serves to deter members from dissident behavior.[eight] [ix]

Members are expected to participate regularly in evangelizing piece of work and to nourish congregation meetings and conventions that present fabric based on Scout Tower Society publications.[x]

Worship [edit]

A Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Norway.

Worship at a Kingdom Hall in Portugal.

Meetings for worship and study are held at Kingdom Halls, and are open up to the public. Witnesses are assigned to a congregation in which "territory" they reside and are expected to attend weekly meetings equally scheduled by the Watch Tower Gild and congregation elders. The meetings are largely devoted to report of the Bible and Witness doctrines.[eleven] During meetings and in other formal circumstances, Witnesses refer to one some other as "Brother" and "Sister".[12] Sociologist Andrew Holden claims meetings create an atmosphere of uniformity for Witnesses, intensify their sense of belonging to a religious community, and reinforce the plausibility of the organization's belief organisation.[xi] He says they are too important in helping new converts prefer a different way of life.[11] Co-ordinate to The Watchtower, ane role of the frequency and length of meetings is to protect Witnesses from becoming "involved in the diplomacy of the world".[thirteen] [14] Witnesses are told they "should never miss a meeting unless there is a serious reason".[15] [16]

The form and content of the meetings is established by the denomination'southward New York headquarters, generally involving a consideration of the aforementioned field of study matter worldwide each week.[xi] Two meetings each week are divided into 5 singled-out sections, lasting a total of about four hours. Meetings are opened and closed with hymns (which they refer to as Kingdom songs) and cursory prayers delivered from the platform. Witnesses are urged to set for all meetings by studying Picket Belfry Society literature from which the content is fatigued and looking up the scriptures cited in the articles.[17] Kingdom Halls are typically functional in character, and do non contain religious symbols.[eleven] Each year, Witnesses from several congregations, which form a "circuit", assemble for 2 one-day assemblies; several circuits meet once a year for a iii-day "regional convention", and every few years the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses hold "international conventions" in selected cities around the world. These larger gatherings are usually held at rented stadiums or auditoriums. Their most important and solemn event is the commemoration of the "Lord's Evening Meal", or "Memorial of Christ'southward Death".

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jehovah'south Witnesses' conventions and meetings in many areas take been held nigh using videoconferencing software and video presentations.[xviii]

Weekend meeting [edit]

The weekend meeting, usually held on Sun, comprises a 30-minute public talk by a congregation elder or ministerial servant[xix] and a one-60 minutes question-and-answer study of a Bible-based article from The Watchtower magazine,[eleven] with questions prepared by the Sentinel Belfry Society and the answers provided in the magazine.[20] Members may use their own words to express the ideas in the printed material,[21] though personal ideas derived from independent report are discouraged.[11] [22]

Midweek meeting [edit]

The midweek meeting, typically held in the evening, includes a question-and-answer session based on Watch Tower Guild publications,[eleven] [23] Bible reading, sample presentations about how to use Watch Tower Guild literature for Bible studies and public preaching,[24] and a "Congregation Bible Study" in the format of a question-and-answer session based on a Watch Belfry Society publication.[25]

Family Worship evening [edit]

In addition to the two weekly scheduled meetings, the Sentinel Tower Society recommends that Witnesses maintain a weekly "Family Worship evening"—using the fourth dimension previously allocated for a third weekly meeting—for family unit and personal study.[26] [27] [28] No specific format for the Family Worship evening is provided, but the Society recommends that members consider Watch Belfry Society publications during this fourth dimension.[29] [30]

Memorial of Christ's expiry [edit]

Jehovah'due south Witnesses commemorate Christ'south death as a ransom or "propitiatory cede" past observing the Lord's Evening Meal, or Memorial.[31] They gloat it once per year, noting that information technology was instituted on the Passover, an annual festival.[32] They observe it on Nisan 14 according to the ancient Jewish lunisolar calendar.[33] Jehovah'due south Witnesses are taught that this is the simply celebration the Bible commands Christians to notice.[34] In the days leading upwards to the Memorial, Bible reading is assigned from chapters about the days leading up to Jesus' death.

Of those who nourish the Memorial, a small minority worldwide partake of the unleavened bread and wine. This is considering Jehovah'due south Witnesses believe that the majority of the true-blue have an earthly hope. Only those who believe they have a heavenly hope, the "remnant" (those yet living) of the 144,000 "anointed", partake of the bread and wine.[31] In 2018, more than than 20 meg people attended, and more than xix,500 members partook.[35]

The Memorial, held after dusk, includes a talk on the pregnant of the celebration and the circulation among the audience of unadulterated red vino and unleavened breadstuff. Jehovah'due south Witnesses believe the bread symbolizes Jesus Christ's body which he gave on behalf of mankind, and that the wine symbolizes his blood which redeems from sin. They exercise not believe in transubstantiation or consubstantiation.[31] Because many congregations have no members who claim to exist anointed, it is mutual for no 1 to partake of the staff of life and vino.

Assemblies and conventions [edit]

Each twelvemonth, Jehovah's Witnesses hold two 1 day "Excursion Assemblies", held in each excursion worldwide. Each excursion comprises several congregations in a geographical area. These are held either in Assembly Halls owned by Jehovah's Witnesses, or in rented facilities, such every bit public auditoriums. Once a year, Jehovah's Witnesses gather at larger assemblies chosen "Regional Conventions" which are usually three days long (Friday to Lord's day). These conventions consist primarily of Bible-based talks, dramatizations, and videos, including demonstrations and experiences of their preaching work. Conventions also characteristic a baptism talk followed by the baptism of new members. Every few years, "International Conventions" are held in selected cities, with visiting delegates from other countries. Attendance at some of these international conventions has exceeded one hundred thou; the 1958 international convention in New York at Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds had a top omnipresence exceeding 253,000.[36] [37] [38]

Evangelism [edit]

Jehovah's Witnesses believe they are under obligation to God to "give witness" by participating in organized and spontaneous evangelizing and proselytizing work.[39] [40] Prospective members are told they have a moral obligation to serve as "publishers" by "regular and zealous" participation in the Witnesses' organised preaching work, disseminating Picket Tower doctrines every bit evangelists of "the Truth".[39] [41] Qualifying as an "unbaptized publisher" is a requirement for baptism,[41] and baptism is regarded as an automated ordination equally a minister.[42] Lookout man Tower publications draw house-to-house visitations as the chief work of Jehovah'southward Witnesses[41] in obedience to a "divine command" to preach "the Kingdom good news in all the earth and (brand) disciples of people of all the nations".[43] Children unremarkably accompany their parents and participate in the public ministry.[44] In improver to taking part in organized door-to-door preaching, Witnesses are taught that they should seek opportunities to "witness informally" by starting conversations with people they meet during routine activities such every bit shopping or on public send, and directing the conversation towards their beliefs.[45]

Witnesses are told that they should put the interests of "God'due south Kingdom" first in their lives and that other secular and recreational pursuits should remain secondary to spiritual matters.[46] [47] Witnesses are frequently instructed through Watch Tower Society publications, and at meetings and conventions, to increment the quality and quantity of their preaching efforts.[48] [49] Sentinel Belfry Society publications suggest that endurance in public preaching is a requirement for Witnesses to attain salvation,[50] [51] and that evangelizing frees them from blood-guilt regarding individuals who might dice at Armageddon without having heard about God's kingdom.[52]

Members who commit themselves to evangelize for 840 hours per twelvemonth (an average of 70 hours per month) are called regular pioneers.[53] Those who commit themselves to evangelize for 50 hours for 1 calendar month are chosen auxiliary pioneers, which they may exercise for consecutive months.[54] Some Witnesses volunteer for missionary service, and may be invited to receive specialized grooming at the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. These individuals dedicate, on average, more 120 hours per month to their work.[55] Members who are not able to 'pioneer' are told they may maintain the "pioneer spirit", past spending as much time as they can in preaching and by supporting the efforts of pioneers.[56]

Specialized "territory" maps of residential and commercial areas are prepared inside the boundaries of each congregation's territory and distributed to publishers who are responsible for preaching within that expanse. Witnesses are instructed to fill out monthly report slips on their preaching activeness,[57] listing the hours spent, publications placed with householders, and the number of "return visits" made to households where interest had been shown formerly.[39] The reports are used to help mensurate the "spirituality" of individuals[39] [58] and to establish the eligibility of men equally congregation elders and ministerial servants.[59] A Witness who fails to report for a month is termed an "irregular publisher"; one who has not turned in a field service report for six months consecutively is termed an "inactive publisher".

Witnesses have, in the past, used a wide diversity of methods to spread their faith, including information marches, where members wore sandwich boards and handed out leaflets, to sound cars (car-mounted phonographs), and syndicated newspaper columns and radio segments devoted to sermons. Betwixt 1924 and 1957, the organization operated a radio station, WBBR, from New York. Since 2011, the Witnesses have engaged in "public witnessing" in metropolitan districts and fairs using tables, carts, and literature displays. The Spotter Tower Society operates a website, JW.org, which provides access to Lookout Tower Society literature and video streaming.

During the COVID-nineteen pandemic, Jehovah's Witnesses have focused on alternative methods of evangelism such as online web applications, phone, email, SMS texting, and postal postal service.[60]

Sentinel Tower Lodge literature [edit]

Jehovah'south Witnesses make extensive utilize of Lookout Tower Society literature, including books, magazines, booklets and handbills, to spread their beliefs and to apply as textbooks at their religious meetings. The publications are produced in many languages, with a small pick available in 500 languages. Their magazines, The Watchtower and Awake!, are published in hundreds of languages and in diverse electronic formats. Issues of both magazines are compiled annually into leap volumes. New books, brochures, and other items are released at their annual conventions. Various audio cassettes, videocassettes, and DVDs have been produced explaining the grouping'due south behavior, practices, system and history. Since 1942 all Sentinel Belfry literature has been published anonymously.[61] Many Lookout man Belfry Society publications from 1950 onward are bachelor on the Watchtower Library DVD and online.[62]

Publications were sold to the public until the early 1990s, from which time they were offered free of charge, with a request for donations. The modify in policy was first announced in the Usa in Feb 1990, post-obit the loss of a case before the United states Supreme Court by Jimmy Swaggart Ministries on the issue of sales tax exemption for religious groups.[63] The Watch Tower Society had joined the example as an Amicus curiae, or "friend of the courtroom".[64] The court ruling would accept resulted in the Sentry Tower Society having to pay millions of dollars in sales tax if sales of their literature had continued.[65]

Witnesses are urged to fix for congregation meetings by studying the assigned Watch Tower literature,[66] and are expected to read all magazines and books published past the Order.[67] [68] [69] One analysis noted that each year Witnesses are expected to read more than than 3,000 pages of the Society's publications, according to its suggested plan for personal study.[70] Much of the literature is illustrated extensively, with sociologist Andrew Holden observing utopian, post-Armageddon images of happy Witnesses in bright sunshine and pristine environments, often playing with formerly wild animals such as lions and tigers, in dissimilarity to dark-colored images of unfavorable activities such every bit murders, burglaries and promiscuity that highlight the moral dangers outside the arrangement.[71]

Conversion [edit]

Individuals seeking to be baptised as Jehovah's Witnesses are required to follow a systematic, catechistical Bible study course, unremarkably in their home, for several months. They will be expected to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall and must too demonstrate a willingness to carry out the doorstep ministry.[72] Earlier baptism they will accept discussions with the elders based on questions provided by the Watch Tower Society to make up one's mind that they understand and accept the beliefs of the Witnesses,[73] and likewise that they accept Jesus' ransom cede and repent of sins and have made a personal dedication to God.[74] Baptisms are normally performed in pools at assemblies and conventions. At these baptisms, candidates brand "public declaration" of their prior dedication to God.[75] The speaker asks the candidates the following 2 questions.

  1. "Have yous repented of your sins, defended yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his fashion of conservancy through Jesus Christ?"
  2. "Do you understand that your baptism identifies you equally one of Jehovah's Witnesses in clan with Jehovah's organization?"[76]

After candidates concord to both questions, they line upward to undergo water immersion, ordinarily in quick succession, ofttimes with hundreds baptised at large conventions.

Sociologist James A. Beckford reported two significant distinguishing features of the conversion process when related by Jehovah's Witnesses. He said they typically spoke of their conversion experience as a steady progression of mental states in which Witnesses "'piece of work for' their conversion by a methodical confrontation with intellectual obstacles and past a deliberate plan of self-reform. Conversion is not represented as something which happened to them; it is framed every bit something that they accomplished." Beckford noted that those he interviewed regarded sudden, emotional upheavals in religious consciousness every bit suspect: "Experiences which smack of sudden or idiosyncratic illumination/revelation cannot be reconcilable with either the tenor of God's historical practice or the nature of his special covenant with the Watchtower Society."[77]

He also establish a striking dissimilarity with other churches in the common attribution of responsibleness for conversion to "a spiritual guide ... the person who acted as the intermediary with the Watchtower movement and who supervised the initial process of learning and reforming". Beckford cited an interview "representative of many" in which a convert recalled initially resisting the Watch Tower Society's teachings until he was "talked into making a serious study of the scriptures ... I had plenty of objections and was sure the Witnesses were incorrect, simply (the Witness leading the personal Bible study sessions) showed me how the facts of the Bible could non be faulted".[77]

Ministers and ordination [edit]

Jehovah'southward Witnesses consider as "ministers" all adherents who accept been canonical to engage in formal evangelizing. Witnesses consider their baptisms to be ordinations; unbaptized publishers are considered "regular ministers" whereas baptized publishers are considered "ordained ministers".[78] Witnesses recognize that many regime and administrative precedents for ministers are not intended to include all active adherents.[79] For example, simply elders affirm ecclesiastical privilege and confessional privilege.[fourscore]

Only males may exist appointed every bit elders and ministerial servants (their term for deacons), and only baptized males may officiate at weddings, funerals, and baptisms.[81] A female person Witness government minister may only lead congregational prayer and education in unusual circumstances, and must wear a head covering while doing so. Outside the congregation, a female minister also wears a head roofing when she leads spiritual pedagogy in the presence of her husband, co-ordinate to the Christian complementarian view. Female person headcovering is not required for other forms of didactics, or when participating in congregation meetings being led by some other.[82] According to the Picket Belfry Society, some courts in the U.s. have recognized that full-time Jehovah's Witness appointees, such as "pioneers" and those in the faith'due south religious guild, qualify for ministerial exemptions regardless of gender.[83]

Bailiwick [edit]

Formal discipline is administered by congregation elders. In the event that an accusation of serious sin is fabricated apropos a baptized member, the elders will talk to the defendant individual. If it is determined that a serious sin has been committed, a tribunal or "judicial committee" (unremarkably composed of three elders) is formed to determine guilt, administrate aid and possibly apply sanctions.[84]

Disfellowshipping is the most severe form of subject administered. Before taking this step, the judicial committee must decide that the individual has committed a "serious sin" and that in that location is no evidence of true repentance.[85] To approximate that repentance is 18-carat, members of the judicial committee enquire questions and review the deportment of the accused fellow member.[86] Baptized members who spread teachings reverse to the doctrines of Jehovah'due south Witnesses can be disfellowshipped for apostasy,[87] [88] [89] and a 1981 letter to overseers—reproduced in a book by sometime Governing Body member Raymond Franz—directed that a member who "persists in believing other doctrine", even without promoting such beliefs, may also be subject to disfellowshipping.[90] One time the determination to disfellowship has been fabricated, a person has seven days to appeal, later which, if the person has not appealed, the disfellowshipping will be announced to the congregation; disfellowshipping does not take event until the announcement is made to the congregation.[91] After a person is disfellowshipped, the person is shunned by all baptized members.[92] Exceptions include cases where a member is forced to accept commercial dealings with a fellow member who is disfellowshipped, or if the disfellowshipped member is living with family members who are baptized. In these cases, the Witness is not permitted to speak about religious matters, except in the example of parents conducting a Bible study with a disfellowshipped small-scale.[93] The extent to which disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives living in the aforementioned household are included in family unit life is left to the discretion of the family.[94] Family members living outside the home who are disfellowshipped accept minimal contact.[95] [96]

Reproof involves sins that could lead to disfellowshipping. Ones considered "truly repentant" are reproved rather than disfellowshipped.[97] Reproof is given "before all onlookers", based on their interpretation of 1 Timothy 5:20. If the sin is individual in nature, the reproof would involve just the private(due south) involved. If the sin is known generally by the entire congregation or the community, an proclamation is made informing the congregation that the person has been reproved. After, without disclosing names or private details, one of the elders gives a dissever talk ensuring that the congregation understands the sin, its dangers, and how to avoid information technology.[98] Reproved individuals have some congregation privileges restricted, until the elders decide that the member has regained "spiritual strength."[99] [100] Restrictions may include not sharing in meeting parts, non commenting at coming together parts, and not praying for a group. The elapsing of restrictions depends on the elders. One cannot "pioneer" or "auxiliary pioneer" for at to the lowest degree one year after reproof is given.[101]

Marking is proficient if a person's grade of activity is regarded as a violation of Bible principles, reflecting badly on the congregation, but is not a disfellowshipping offense.[102] The person is strongly counseled. If, after repeated counsel sessions, the person still pursues the agonizing course, he might be 'marked', which involves an annunciation stating that the actions in question are wrong, without naming the individual involved. Congregation members limit social contact with that person. The purpose of this is to shame the person into correcting their actions.[103] "Marked" individuals are not shunned completely, just social contact is minimized.[104]

Family life [edit]

The family structure is patriarchal. The husband is considered the final dominance of family decisions, equally the caput of his family unit. Marriages must exist monogamous. Wives should be submissive to their husbands and husbands are to have deep respect and love for their wives, and are instructed to listen to them on all matters.[105] Husbands are instructed to care for their wives as Jesus treated his followers.[106] He should not hurt or mistreat his family in any way. The male parent should be hard-working in providing necessities to his family unit. He must besides provide for them in a spiritual capacity. This includes religious education for the family, and taking the atomic number 82 in preaching activities. Parental discipline for children should not be in a harsh, cruel way. Children are instructed to obey their parents.

Married couples are encouraged to speak with local elders if they are having bug. Married couples can separate in the case of physical abuse and fail, or if one partner attempts to hinder the other from being a Jehovah'south Witness.[107] Remarriage later on divorce is permissible only on the grounds of adultery, based on their agreement of Jesus' words at Matthew v:32 and Matthew 19:9.

Morality [edit]

Jehovah's Witnesses demand high standards of morality within their ranks.[108] Their view of sexual behavior reflects bourgeois Christian views. Ballgame is considered murder.[109] Homosexuality, premarital sex, and extramarital sex activity are considered "serious sins".[110] Gender transitioning is considered "reverse to nature" and sex reassignment surgery is considered a form of "mutilation";[111] if a transgender person "who has already undergone a mutilating operation of this sort" wishes to become a member of the denomination, the person is expected to live according to their biological sexual practice, and to leave their spouse if biologically the aforementioned sex.[112] Smoking (including electronic cigarettes),[113] corruption of drugs, and drunkenness are prohibited, though alcohol is permitted in moderation.[114] [115] Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently stressed. Entertainment promoting immoral, "demonic", or vehement themes is considered inappropriate. Members are warned that personal grooming such equally beards, long hair or earrings for men, or other styles of dress or grooming might "stumble" the consciences of others.[116]

Gambling past making coin through the losses of others is viewed as a "form of greed", and is prohibited.[117] The trading of stocks, shares and bonds is viewed as adequate.[118]

Blood [edit]

Jehovah'due south Witnesses officially pass up transfusions of whole allogeneic claret and some of its fractionated components

Jehovah'south Witnesses are taught that the Bible prohibits the consumption, storage and transfusion of blood, based on their understanding of scriptures such as Leviticus 17:10, 11: "I will certainly prepare my face confronting the one who is eating the blood" and Acts 15:29: "abstain from ... claret." This standpoint is applied fifty-fifty in emergencies. The Watchtower introduced this view in 1945, and it has developed since then.[119] Accordingly, the arrangement has established Hospital Information Services (HIS), which provides teaching and facilitation of bloodless surgery. This service also maintains Infirmary Liaison Committees, which support adherents facing surgery and provide information to the medical community on bloodless surgery techniques and alternatives to claret.[120]

Though accepted by virtually members, some within the Jehovah's Witness community do not endorse the doctrine.[121]

Dutch anthropologist Richard Singelenberg has suggested the Sentry Tower Society's prohibition on blood transfusions—as well equally its edict confronting fellowship with outsiders—are rooted in the religious desire to maintain a communal state of purity worthy of divine favor. He noted: "Rules of pollution and purity are instrumental in creating structural boundaries around grouping members. And the more distinctive when formulated into divine precepts, the clearer the dividing lines between the faithful and those excluded."[122]

Spiritual warfare [edit]

Sentinel Tower Society publications teach that Witnesses are engaged in a "spiritual, theocratic warfare" against faux teachings and wicked spirit forces they say endeavor to impede them in their preaching work.[123] Based on their interpretation of Ephesians half dozen:ten–20, they believe their "spiritual war" is fought with truth, righteousness, the "good news of peace", faith, the hope of salvation, God's word and prayer.[124] [125] They have advocated the utilize of "theocratic war strategy" to protect the interests of God'due south cause, which would include hiding the truth from God's "enemies"[126] [127] by being evasive or withholding truthful or incriminating data from those not entitled by law to know.[128] [129] [130] The Watchtower told Witnesses: "It is proper to encompass over our arrangements for the piece of work that God commands the states to exercise. If the wolfish foes draw incorrect conclusions from our maneuvers to outwit them, no harm has been done to them past the harmless sheep, innocent in their motives as doves."[131]

Separateness [edit]

Jehovah'southward Witnesses are told they should remain "separate from the world" in harmony with Jesus' clarification of his followers at John 17:14–16. Picket Tower publications define the "globe" every bit "the mass of mankind apart from Jehovah'southward approved servants" and teach that it is ruled past Satan[132] and a place of danger[133] and moral contagion.[134] Witnesses manifest their world-renouncing beliefs in many ways. They avoid involvement in social controversies,[135] remain politically neutral, and do not seek public part. The Lookout Belfry Society has stated that voting in political elections is a personal conscience conclusion,[136] though a Witness who takes any action considered to be a "violation of Christian neutrality" may face religious sanctions.[137] They refuse participation in ecumenical and interfaith activities,[138] [139] abstain from celebrating religious holidays, and reject many community they claim take pagan origins. They do not work in industries associated with the military, nor serve in the military,[140] and refuse national military service, which in some countries may effect in their arrest and imprisonment.[141] They do non salute or pledge fidelity to national flags or sing national anthems or other patriotic songs.[142]

Witnesses are urged to minimize their social contact with not-members, even if they possess "decent qualities",[143] [144] [145] because of perceived dangers of worldly association.[146] [147] Sociologist Andrew Holden indicated they are highly selective in choosing with whom they spend leisure fourth dimension, more often than not choosing the company of other Witnesses. Many Witnesses interviewed by Holden reported tensions and ostracism at work because of their religious beliefs.[148] He reported that many Jehovah's Witness converts required some social adjustment equally they gradually reduced contact with non-Witness friends.[149] Association with those outside the organization, commonly termed by Witnesses as "worldly" and "not in the Truth", is acceptable only when it is viewed as an opportunity to preach[150] [151] and Witnesses are under considerable pressure from the Society to show outsiders they are people of high moral cobweb. Holden claims that equally a result, Witnesses working with "worldly" colleagues tend to closely adhere to Sentinel Belfry teachings.[152]

Sociologist Ronald Lawson has suggested that it is the group'south intellectual and organizational isolation—coupled with the intense indoctrination of adherents, rigid internal discipline and considerable persecution—that has contributed to the consistency of its sense of urgency in its apocalyptic message.[153]

Celebrations [edit]

Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are observed, though they avert incorporating certain traditions they see to accept pagan origins.[154] [155] The Watchtower has stated that the use of wedding rings past Witnesses is acceptable, even though wedding rings may take first been used by pagans, based on its determination that there is no definite evidence wedding rings were used "every bit part of imitation religious practices" (emphasis from original).[156] Witnesses typically observe nuptials anniversaries, with the Watch Belfry Guild noting that wedding ceremony anniversaries apparently do not stalk from pagan origins.[157]

Other common celebrations and religious or national holidays such as birthdays, Halloween, Easter and Christmas[158] are not celebrated because they believe that these continue to involve "fake religious beliefs or activities."[159] [160] Watch Tower Society publications dominion out the celebration of Mother's Day because of a claimed link with pagan gods[161] and concerns that giving "special accolade and worship" to mothers is a class of "creature worship" that could turn people away from God.[162] The Society as well directs Witnesses to shun May Day, New year's day and Valentine's Day celebrations because of their heathen origins.[163]

Their opposition to birthdays is said to be based on how the Bible presents them. Sentinel Tower Order publications notation that the only birthday celebrations explicitly mentioned in the Bible are those of an unnamed Pharaoh and Herod Antipas, and that both were associated with executions, and neither celebrant was a servant of God.[164] Though some churches interpret Chore 1:4 to indicate birthday feasts of Chore's sons, Jehovah's Witnesses interpret them as a circuit of feasts from 1 house to the next.[165] The Bible does non bear witness Jesus or his apostles celebrating birthdays and The Watchtower claims the absence of any record of the appointment of the birth of Jesus or his apostles indicates that "God does not want us to celebrate whatever of these birthdays".[166]

Structure [edit]

International and regional building teams frequently undertake constructions of Kingdom Halls over the course of one or two weekends, termed "quick-builds". Larger construction projects, including building regional Associates Halls and Bethel offices, factories, residences, warehouses, and farm facilities, are also performed most entirely by volunteer members.[ citation needed ]

Humanitarian efforts [edit]

Jehovah's Witnesses provide relief assistance in disaster-stricken areas for their members and others in the vicinity. Medicine and wearable were provided to both Hutu and Tutsi Witnesses during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.[167] Post-obit Hurricane Katrina, they helped rebuild houses of Witnesses and others.[168] The Governing Body of Jehovah'south Witnesses uses "Regional Building Committees" to oversee relief efforts worldwide.[169]

Funding of activities [edit]

Jehovah'south Witnesses fund their activities, such as publishing, constructing and operating facilities, evangelism, and disaster relief via donations. There is no tithing or collection, but on exceptional occasions, members are reminded to donate to the organization; Witnesses typically provide an opportunity for members of the public to make donations as they encounter them in their preaching work. Donation boxes labeled for several purposes are located in Kingdom Halls and other meeting facilities. More often than not there are contribution boxes for local operating expenses, a Kingdom Hall fund for helping Witnesses around the globe to build Kingdom Halls, and a general fund for the "Worldwide Work", which includes the printing of literature, organization of conventions, supporting missionaries and disaster relief, and other operating expenses of the organisation.[170] [171]

The accounts (including donations) and the financial operation of the local congregation are reviewed monthly and posted on a congregation find board. Donations are also accustomed via mail, and the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society can exist named equally a beneficiary to an estate, and too accepts donations in the form of life insurance policies, pension plans, banking concern accounts, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, existent estate, annuities and trusts.[172]

References [edit]

  1. ^ Franz 2002, p. 106.
  2. ^ Proceed Yourselves in God's Dear, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Guild, 2008, page 43, "The Governing Trunk of Jehovah's Witnesses represents the slave grade. ... elders today receive instructions and counsel from the Governing Body, either directly or through its representatives, such as traveling overseers."
  3. ^ "Keep Clear of False Worship!". The Watchtower. March fifteen, 2006. p. 30. [Jehovah'south Witnesses] are 'no part of the world.' (John 15:19) The term 'world' here refers to human society alienated from God. (Ephesians 4:17–19; 1 John 5:xix) Nosotros are divide from the globe in that we shun attitudes, oral communication, and acquit that offend Jehovah. (one John 2:fifteen–17) Moreover, in harmony with the principle that 'bad associations spoil useful habits,' we avoid intimacy with those who do not alive past Christian standards. (1 Corinthians 15:33) To exist no part of the earth is to remain 'without spot from the world.' (James one:27) Hence, being separate from the earth does not mean that we physically withdraw from all contact with other people.
  4. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 7, 109–112.
  5. ^ "Alternative Life-Styles—Does God Corroborate? — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY". wol.jw.org. 2003. Retrieved 2021-07-29 . {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 26, 28.
  7. ^ Penton 1997, p. 90.
  8. ^ Holden 2002, p. 163.
  9. ^ "Make Wise Utilize of Your Christian Liberty", The Watchtower, June one, 1992, page xviii.
  10. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 66–68.
  11. ^ a b c d eastward f k h Holden 2002, pp. 64–69.
  12. ^ Botting, Heather; Botting, Gary (1984). The Orwellian Earth of Jehovah's Witnesses . University of Toronto Press. p. 85. ISBN0-8020-6545-7.
  13. ^ "What Do You Do with Your Time?", The Watchtower, February 1, 1950, page 38, "Past setting and meeting the goal never to miss any of the meetings that the Lord provides for His people, the Christian is protected against becoming involved in the affairs of this world. He doesn't have time for it!"
  14. ^ "Exert Yourselves Vigorously!", The Watchtower, April one, 1972, page 206, "They do much individual Bible report, attend five weekly congregation meetings and spend much time each month in preaching the skilful news of God's kingdom and making disciples of people, besides providing back up for themselves and their families. ... Being busy serves as a protection from many of the temptations and snares of the world, the flesh and the Devil."
  15. ^ ""Do Not Tire Out"". The Watchtower—Simplified Edition. April 15, 2013. p. 23. We should never miss a meeting unless there is a serious reason.
  16. ^ "Our Resolve—To Pursue Jehovah's Way of Life". Our Kingdom Ministry. January 1999. p. 1. Our goal should be never to miss a meeting or a session if our health and circumstances allow u.s.a. to attend.
  17. ^ "Benefit Fully From the Service Meetings", Our Kingdom Ministry building, January 1989, page seven.
  18. ^ "Video Conferencing for Congregation Meetings". jw.org. Watchtower Bible and Tract Social club. Retrieved 29 Nov 2020.
  19. ^ Who Are Doing Jehovah's Will Today. Watch Belfry Society. p. 10. On the weekend, each congregation meets to hear a xxx-infinitesimal Bible soapbox on how the Scriptures relate to our lives and to the times we live in.
  20. ^ Franz 2007, p. 420.
  21. ^ "Families, Praise God every bit Office of His Congregation". The Watchtower. 1 July 1999. p. 20.
  22. ^ Botting, Heather; Botting, Gary (1984). The Orwellian Globe of Jehovah's Witnesses . University of Toronto Press. p. 143. ISBN0-8020-6545-7.
  23. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?, Watch Belfry Bible & Tract Order, 2000, page 15.
  24. ^ 2017 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watch Tower Guild. pp. 19–21.
  25. ^ Organized to Practise Jehovah'south Will. Spotter Tower Society. p. 64.
  26. ^ "Assist for Families". Our Kingdom Ministry. November 2011. p. 3. What Is the Purpose of the Family Worship Evening? In Jan 2009, the Congregation Book Study began to be held on the same evening as the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting. ... Each family was encouraged to motion its family report to the night formerly used for the volume study, if practical, and to utilise this time for unhurried Bible discussion and written report tailored to the needs of the family unit.
  27. ^ "Christian Families—"Go on Prepare"". The Watchtower. May 15, 2011. p. 14.
  28. ^ "Deport On as Kingdom Citizens!". The Watchtower. August 15, 2012. p. 15. In recent years the faithful slave has peculiarly promoted the weekly Family unit Worship evening.
  29. ^ "Ideas for Family unit Worship and Personal Study". The Watchtower. August fifteen, 2011. p. half-dozen.
  30. ^ ""Allow Your Light Smoothen" to Glorify Jehovah". The Watchtower. June 2018. p. 23.
  31. ^ a b c "The Lord's Evening Meal: An Observance That Honors God". What Does The Bible Really Teach?. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Gild of Pennsylvania. 2014 [2005]. pp. 206–208. Retrieved eighteen July 2020.
  32. ^ Reasoning From The Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 265.
  33. ^ Insight On The Scriptures. Vol. i. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Club of Pennsylvania. 2018 [1988]. p. 392. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  34. ^ "Jehovah is a God of Covenants". The Watchtower. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. ane February 1998. pp. viii–13. Retrieved 18 July 2020 – via Watchtower Online Library. Jesus instituted the only almanac religious observance commanded for Christians—the Memorial of his decease.
  35. ^ "2018 Thou Totals". Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society.
  36. ^ "Look! I Am Making All Things New". Lookout man Tower Club. 1970. p. 25.
  37. ^ Centennial. Watch Tower Society. 1984. p. sixteen.
  38. ^ 1000. James Penton (2015). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah'south Witnesses (3rd ed.). p. 116.
  39. ^ a b c d Holden 2002, pp. 71–76.
  40. ^ Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. vii. pp. 864–5. The fundamental obligation of each member of the sect is to requite witness to Jehovah past announcing His approaching Kingdom. ... They regard the Bible as their only source of conventionalities and dominion of carry ... To be a true Witness i must preach effectively in one mode or another.
  41. ^ a b c "Question Box". Our Kingdom Ministry building. July 2013. p. seven.
  42. ^ "Paying Back Caesar'due south Things to Caesar". The Watchtower. May 1, 1996. p. xvi.
  43. ^ Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. p. iv.
  44. ^ "Help Your Children Progress in the Ministry". Our Kingdom Ministry building. July 2005. p. 3.
  45. ^ "We Are Witnesses All the Fourth dimension". Our Kingdom Ministry building. September 2011. p. vi.
  46. ^ ""Y'all Know Neither the Day Nor the Hour"". The Watchtower. September 15, 2012. pp. 26–27.
  47. ^ "Is Your Recreation Beneficial?". The Watchtower. October 15, 2011. pp. nine–11.
  48. ^ Penton 1997, p. 259.
  49. ^ Franz 2007, pp. 196–206.
  50. ^ "Preaching in a Lawless Earth", The Watchtower, July fifteen, 1979, page thirteen, paragraph 4, "It is by our endurance in proclaiming "this good news of the kingdom" that we may accomplish to salvation"; cited in Penton 1997, p. 206.
  51. ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah'due south Witnesses . University of Toronto Press. p. 107. ISBN0-8020-6545-7.
  52. ^ "Keeping "Make clean from the Blood of All Men"". The Watchtower. October ane, 1960. p. 608.
  53. ^ "Tin Nosotros Make Apr 2000 Our Best Calendar month E'er?". Our Kingdom Ministry. March 2000. p. 3. If you are uncertain nearly your ability to encounter the lxx-hour requirement for regular pioneers, why non auxiliary pioneer in April and set seventy hours equally your goal?
  54. ^ "Declare Away the Excellencies of Jehovah". Our Kingdom Ministry. February 2007. p. iv. Meeting the auxiliary pioneer requirement of 50 hours may non be as hard as you think.
  55. ^ "Adamant to Follow God's Way of Life". The Watchtower. January 15, 1999. p. half-dozen.
  56. ^ "A Worthy Goal for the New Service Year". Our Kingdom Ministry. August 2007. p. 5. Even if you experience that you are unable to auxiliary pioneer during this coming service twelvemonth, you can still maintain the pioneer spirit. Continue to do all that you tin in the ministry, confident that Jehovah is pleased with your whole-souled effort to give him your all-time. (Gal. six:4) Exist supportive, and encourage those who are able to auxiliary pioneer. Perhaps y'all can adjust your schedule to share in the ministry building an boosted day of the calendar week with those who are pioneering.
  57. ^ "Do Yous Contribute to an Accurate Written report?". Our Kingdom Ministry. December 2002. p. eight.
  58. ^ Penton 1997, p. 247.
  59. ^ Franz 2007, p. 201.
  60. ^ "The Worldwide Brotherhood Uses Innovative Preaching Methods as Pandemic Continues". jw.org. Watchtower Bible and Tract Guild. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  61. ^ Penton 1997, pp. 78.
  62. ^ Torres-Pruñonosa, Jose; Plaza-Navas, Miquel-Affections; Brown, Silas (2022). "Jehovah'south Witnesses' adoption of digitally-mediated services during Covid-19 pandemic". Cogent Social Sciences. viii (1). doi:x.1080/23311886.2022.2071034. Retrieved seven May 2022.
  63. ^ Swaggart Ministries v. California Lath of Equalization instance summary, US Supreme Courtroom Media
  64. ^ Watch Belfry brief, Jimmy Swaggart Ministries vs California Lath of Equalization, US Supreme Court, 1988.
  65. ^ Penton 1997, pp. 320.
  66. ^ Organized To Exercise Jehovah'due south Will, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, page 62.
  67. ^ "Let Your Advancement Exist Manifest", Watchtower, Baronial 1, 1992, page 10.
  68. ^ "Look to Jehovah for Insight", Watchtower, March 15, 1989, folio 14.
  69. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 88.
  70. ^ Penton 1997, pp. 231
  71. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 92–93
  72. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 59.
  73. ^ Organized to Exercise Jehovah'due south Volition. Watch Tower Guild. pp. 185–205.
  74. ^ The Watchtower i/15/89 p. thirteen par. 18 What Prevents You From Getting Baptized?
  75. ^ The Watchtower five/15/03 p. 31 Questions From Readers
  76. ^ "Concluding Discussion With Baptism Candidates — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY". wol.jw.org . Retrieved 2021-04-03 .
  77. ^ a b Beckford, James A. (June 1978). "Bookkeeping for Conversion". The British Journal of Sociology. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell for the London School of Economics and Political Science. 29 (June 1978): 251–256. JSTOR 589892.
  78. ^ "Questions from Readers", The Watchtower, November 1, 1951, page 671-672, "The authorities of the state more often than not call for some ceremony in connection with ordination for the ministry building... The legal [opinion] is recognizing the 2 classifications made concerning ministers, namely, ordained ministers and regular unordained ministers. ...[A]north unbaptized one...may still point out to the court [or other authorisation] that he has not every bit yet undergone the ordination ceremony of water immersion, and for that reason may exist classed by the police force of the country as a regular minister rather than an ordained minister."
  79. ^ Our Kingdom Ministry, January 1976, page 5-6,"Since at times a request is made by officials for some evidence of "ordination" on the part of those serving in such capacities, a "Certificate for Ordained Minister" has been prepared and will be supplied on asking to those elders or ministerial servants needing it. It volition show the date, not of their baptism, but when they were appointed to serve in such capacities... But what of those who are engaged in total-fourth dimension service as pioneers or members of Bethel families? ...Such appointment, however, does non fit the meaning of "ordination" equally that term is by and large understood [by not-Witnesses requesting these certificates]. ...Since the Bible itself sets out merely the 2 congregational positions of responsibility, that of elders and of ministerial servants, we limit our application of the term "ordained government minister" [as used by non-Witness authorities] to those in this Scriptural arrangement.[emphasis added]"
  80. ^ "Meeting the Claiming of Loyalty", The Watchtower, March 15, 1996, page eighteen
  81. ^ "The General Priesthood Today", The Watchtower, March i, 1963, page 143
  82. ^ "Head Coverings—When and Why?", Go along Yourselves in God'due south Honey, ©2008 Watch Tower, pages 43–44 and 209–212
  83. ^ "Women—May They Be "Ministers"?", The Watchtower, March fifteen, 1981, page 19, "Several courts in the United States take recognized female Jehovah's Witnesses, in carrying on the door-to-door evangelistic work, as ministers. For example, the Supreme Court of Vermont, in Vermont v. Greaves (1941), stated that Elva Greaves "is an ordained minister of a sect or class known and designated as 'Jehovah'southward Witnesses'.""
  84. ^ Organized to Do Jehovah'south Will. Sentinel Tower Club. p. 148.
  85. ^ The Watchtower 9/15/87 p. thirteen.
  86. ^ The Watchtower i/1/95 p. thirty par. iii
  87. ^ Pay Attention To Yourself and All the Flock, Scout Tower Bible & Tract Gild, 1991, page 94, "Apostasy is a standing away from, a falling abroad, defection, rebellion, abandonment; information technology involves teaching false doctrines, supporting or promoting false religion and its holidays or interfaith activities ... Persons who deliberately spread (stubbornly hold to and speak almost) teachings reverse to Bible truth equally taught by Jehovah'south Witnesses are apostates."
  88. ^ Reasoning From The Scriptures p. 34 Apostasy "Others claim to believe the Bible only pass up Jehovah's organization."
  89. ^ The Watchtower iv/1/86 p. 31.
  90. ^ To All Circuit and District Overseers, September 1, 1980, "Keep in listen that to be disfellowshipped, an apostate does not take to be a promoter of apostate views. ... if a baptized Christian abandons the teachings of Jehovah, every bit presented by the faithful and discreet slave, and persists in believing other doctrine despite Scriptural reproof, so he is apostatizing. ... [If] he continues to believe the backslider ideas and rejects what he has been provided through the 'slave class,' then appropriate judicial activity should be taken. ... [If] something reasonably substantial comes to the attention of the elders along this line, information technology would be appropriate to brand a kindly, discreet inquiry so every bit to protect the flock." Letter reproduced in Crunch of Conscience, Raymond Franz, 1983, affiliate eleven.
  91. ^ Pay Attending to Yourselves and to All the Flock – pgs. 121–122
  92. ^ The Watchtower April 15, 1988 Field of study That Tin can Yield Peaceable Fruit Pgs. 26–31.
  93. ^ "Helping Minors to Worship God", Awake! 11/15, 1988, p. 20.
  94. ^ "Thus, it would be left to members of the family to determine on the extent to which the disfellowshipped family unit member would exist included when eating or engaging in other household activities. And notwithstanding, they would not want to requite brothers with whom they associate the impression that everything is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred." Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped, p iv. Scan available at JWfiles.com accessed January 27, 2006.
  95. ^ "Disfellowshiping—How to View It", The Watchtower, September 15, 1981, p. 26., "It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum."
  96. ^ "Discipline That Can Yield Peaceable Fruit", The Watchtower April fifteen, 1988, p. 26.
  97. ^ "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower, Jan i, 1983 pp. thirty–31.
  98. ^ "Repentance Leading Back to God", The Watchtower, September 1, 1981, p. 27 par. 30.
  99. ^ Our Kingdom Ministry building, March 1975, p. 4.
  100. ^ "Reproofs Are the Way of Life", The Watchtower, November 15, 1977 p. 691.
  101. ^ Our Kingdom Ministry March 1983, p. 3.
  102. ^ The Watchtower, July xv, 1999, p. xxx
  103. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, Apr fifteen, 1985, p. 31.
  104. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, April 15, 1984 p. 31.
  105. ^ The Bible's Viewpoint What Does It Mean to Exist the Head of the House?, Awake! 2004b, July 8, 2004, p. 26.
  106. ^ "Guard confronting misusing power". Watchtower Online Library. Watchtower. {{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  107. ^ The Secret of Family Happiness, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Order, 1996, pp. 160–161.
  108. ^ "Are Y'all True-blue in All Things?", The Watchtower, July 15, 2005, folio 26-30.
  109. ^ "Abortion", Reasoning from the Scriptures, page 25-26.
  110. ^ "Immature People Inquire... What's Wrong With Premarital Sex?", Awake!, July 22, 2004, pages 12–14.
  111. ^ "Insight on the News-Born in the Wrong Torso?". JW.ORG. 1974. {{cite spider web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  112. ^ Correspondence Guidelines. Watch Tower Lodge. 2007. p. 98. Someone desiring to be baptized who has already undergone a mutilating functioning of this sort (a transsexual) would exist expected to accept his or her place in life in accord with what the private biologically is, not in accord with what the person has been mutilated to appear to be. This may even require that the person leave a "mate" to whom the person is "married," since the mutilated ane is actually (biologically) of the same sex as the "mate."
  113. ^ "What Is God's View of Smoking?", The Watchtower, June 1, 2014, page iv. The footnote reads: "Smoking here refers to inhaling tobacco smoke direct from cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or water pipes. Notwithstanding, the principles discussed utilize as to the use of chewing tobacco, snuff, electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine, and other products."
  114. ^ Jehovah'south Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993,p. 180.
  115. ^ "You Must Be Holy Considering Jehovah Is Holy", The Watchtower, Feb 15, 1976, p. 123 par. 16.
  116. ^ "When Another'southward Conscience Is Involved", Awake! April 22, 1979, pp. 27–28
  117. ^ "Does the Bible Condemn Gambling?", The Watchtower, March 1, 2011, pages 12–14.
  118. ^ "Is It Wise to Invest in the Stock Market?", Awake!, Oct 8, 2000, pages 25–27.
  119. ^ How Tin can Blood Salvage Your Life?. Spotter Tower Club.
  120. ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses and the Medical Profession Cooperate". Awake!. Watch Tower Guild. November 22, 1993. pp. 24–25.
  121. ^ Lee Elder, The Associated Jehovah's Witnesses for Reform on Claret, "Why some Jehovah's Witnesses accept blood and conscientiously reject official Watchtower Society claret policy", Journal of Medical Ideals, 2000, Vol 26, pages 375–380.
  122. ^ Singelenberg, Richard (1990). "The blood transufion taboo of Jehovah'southward Witnesses: origin, development and office of a controversial doctrine". Social Science & Medicine. 31 (4): 521–522. doi:10.1016/0277-9536(xc)90048-Westward.
  123. ^ "Flocking Together in Battle Line", The Watchtower, March 1, 1983, page 17.
  124. ^ "Fight the fine Fight of faith", The Watchtower, February fifteen, 2004, folio 26–27.
  125. ^ "Waging the Right Warfare", The Watchtower, June 15, 1956, folio 365.
  126. ^ "Utilize theocratic war strategy", The Watchtower, May 1, 1957, folio 285,286.
  127. ^ "Questions from readers", The Watchtower, June ane, 1960, pages 351–352.
  128. ^ "Christians alive the truth", The Watchtower, October 1, 1954, page 597.
  129. ^ Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 2, Lookout Belfry Bible & Tract Gild, 1988, pages 244–245.
  130. ^ Examining the Scriptures Daily, May 18, 2011, "Does being true with others mean that we must disclose every item to whoever asks usa a question? Not necessarily ... Jehovah'south people need to be on baby-sit against apostates and other wicked men who use trickery or cunning for selfish purposes."
  131. ^ "Cautious as Serpents Amidst Wolves", The Watchtower, Feb 1, 1956, page 86.
  132. ^ Reasoning From the Scriptures, Sentry Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 435–436.
  133. ^ "Alive a Balanced, Uncomplicated Life", The Watchtower, July 15, 1989, page 11.
  134. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 12.
  135. ^ What Does God Crave?, Sentry Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1996, page thirteen.
  136. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, November 1, 1999, p. 28, "As to whether they volition personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah'south Witnesses makes a determination based on his Bible-trained censor and an agreement of his responsibility to God and to the State.
  137. ^ Pay Attending to Yourselves and to All the Flock, folio 140.
  138. ^ Jehovah'due south Witnesses Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Lookout man Tower Bible & Tract Gild, 1993, page 188)
  139. ^ Reasoning From the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Guild, 1989, pages 269–270.
  140. ^ Worship the Just True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, p. 159.
  141. ^ "Sentinel Tower Press Release, Oct 4, 2007" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 13, 2007. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
  142. ^ Didactics, Scout Tower Bible & Tract Social club, 2002, pp. 20–23
  143. ^ Weddle, David Fifty. (April 2000). "A new "generation" of Jehovah'due south Witnesses: Revised interpretation, ritual and identity". Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions. University of California Press. 3 (2): 363. JSTOR 10.1525/nr.2000.3.two.350.
  144. ^ "Train With Godly Devotion equally Your Aim", Watchtower, Baronial 15, 1985, page 19.
  145. ^ "Take a Full Share in the Corking Spiritual Harvest", The Watchtower, July 15, 2010, page 19, "Do you lot avoid unnecessary fellowship with schoolmates and fellow workers who practise not share your behavior? ... Your faithful compliance in such matters will bring excellent results."
  146. ^ Survival Into a New Earth, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Social club, 1984, page 168.
  147. ^ "Each 1 Will Carry His Own Load", The Watchtower, March 15, 2006, page 23.
  148. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 109–112.
  149. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 69.
  150. ^ Franz 2007, p. 409
  151. ^ "Continue Clear of False Worship!", The Watchtower, March xv, 2006, page 30, "Should we hold ourselves completely aristocratic from those who do not share our organized religion? The reply is no. The second of the two greatest commandments states: 'Y'all must love your neighbor as yourself.' We certainly display love for our neighbors when nosotros share with them the good news of the Kingdom."
  152. ^ Holden 2002, pp. 123.
  153. ^ Ronald Lawson, "Sect-state relations: Accounting for the differing trajectories of Seventh-Day Adventists and Jehovah'south Witnesses", Sociology of Religion, Wintertime 1995, "The urgency of the Witness'southward apocalyptic has changed very little over fourth dimension. The intellectual isolation of the Witness leaders has immune them to retain their traditional position, and it is they who go along to be the chief purveyors of the radical eschatology ....This commitment (to principle) was bolstered past their organizational isolation, intense indoctrination of adherents, rigid internal discipline, and considerable persecution."
  154. ^ The Watchtower i/15/69 p. 58 Christian Weddings Should Reflect Reasonableness "Of course, some customs are unscriptural and so they are objectionable to Christians. ... Other community are apparently acts of false worship. And so ane planning a wedding does well to examine practices common in his expanse and analyze how people view them locally."
  155. ^ The Watchtower 7/15/98 p. 24 A Christian View of Funeral Customs "Funeral community practise not always conflict with Bible principles. When they do, Christians are adamant to act in harmony with the Scriptures."
  156. ^ The Watchtower 1/15/72 p. 63 "It is thus seen that the precise origin of the wedding ring is uncertain. Even if information technology were a fact that pagans first used wedding rings, would that rule such out for Christians? Not necessarily."
  157. ^ The Watchtower, December 1, 1971, p. 735.
  158. ^ "Christmas Customs—Are They Christian", The Watchtower, December 15, 2000, folio 3-seven.
  159. ^ Awake! seven/8/04 p. xxx "Christians refrain from whatever celebrations or customs that continue to involve false religious beliefs or activities that violate Bible principles. For example, the Bible definitely puts birthday celebrations in a bad light"
  160. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, October xv, 1998, p. 30.
  161. ^ "They Are No Role of the World", Jehovah'southward Witnesses – Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, page 199, "Jehovah's Witnesses have good times with their families and friends. Just they practise not participate in holidays and celebrations that are linked with heathen gods (every bit is truthful of such holidays as Easter, New year's day's Day, May Solar day, and Female parent's Twenty-four hour period)."
  162. ^ Vindication, J. F. Rutherford, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1931, pages 158–159.
  163. ^ "What Is the Bible'due south View? Are They Harmless Observances?", Awake!, February eight, 1974, Page 27.
  164. ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, October xv, 1998. pp. 30–31.
  165. ^ Task 1:4 reads "And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his mean solar day; and sent and called for their three sisters to swallow and to beverage with them." (Rex James version)
  166. ^ The Watchtower, November xv, 1960, p. 704.
  167. ^ "Christianity in Action: Among Turmoil", The Watchtower, January 15, 1998.
  168. ^ Awake!, June 2006, page xix, "Heeding the Warnings Fabricated a Deviation"
  169. ^ Awake!, June 2006, p.19.
  170. ^ Our Kingdom Ministry, Watch Belfry Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, December 2003, p. seven
  171. ^ "A New Program for Kingdom Hall Construction", Our Kingdom Ministry, Picket Tower Bible and Tract Order of Pennsylvania, September 1983, p. 4-v.
  172. ^ "Means in Which Some Choose to Give Contributions to the Worldwide Work", The Watchtower, Nov 1, 2006, page xx

Bibliography [edit]

  • Chryssides, George D. (2008). Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses. Scarecrow Press, Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN978-0-8108-6074-two.
  • Franz, Raymond (2002). Crisis of Conscience (4th ed.). Commentary Press. ISBN0-914675-24-ix.
  • Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom (2nd ed.). Commentary Press. ISBN0-914675-17-half dozen.
  • Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah'due south Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Motion . Routledge. ISBN0-415-26610-vi.
  • Penton, James Thousand. (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses (2nd ed.). University of Toronto Printing. ISBN0-8020-7973-3.

External links [edit]

  • Official Website

sherercaph1941.blogspot.com

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_Witnesses_practices

0 Response to "Jehovah Willing Well Have an Opportunity to Do This Again"

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Iklan Atas Artikel

Iklan Tengah Artikel 1

Iklan Tengah Artikel 2

Iklan Bawah Artikel