Jehovah’s Witness Study Notes

Jehovah's Witnesses was first started by Charles Taze Russel in Pittsburgh around 1870. What led Charles Russel to first start the denomination was when he tried to convert an atheist to Christianity and ended up being converted instead, not to atheism but to agnosticism. Important Religious Beliefs Witnesses rely on the authority of the Bible when they live their day to day life. They believe that the bible is a gift from God that tells humans about what God is like, how to cope with problems, and how to please God. Jehovah’s Witnesses affirm full inspiration of the bible by God and the preservation if its copies over the centuries. Jehovah’s Witness have a special translation if the Bible called the New World Translation Witness believe in only one God. They stress the fact that God has revealed his personal name to humanity, which is Jehovah. Jehovah, in the book, has a spirit body and lives in heaven, but sees all things. While Christians believe that Jesus was â€Å"fully God, fully man†, Witnesses teach that Jesus was not God, but God’s first official creation. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that that they: Teach the truth about God, provide a model of a perfect life for people to follow, and he sacrificed his life to set humans free from sin and that his crucifixion was not on a cross but a upright stake. Customs and Practices Jehovah’s Witnesses baptize those of age who have made a decision to join the faith. Baptism is done by full entrance in water. After one is Baptized they are to include regular attendance at Kingdom Hall meetings and evangelism. Witnessing and Evangelism is the most know to other religions, it is done door-to-door. Witnesses who are employed full time (and are known as Kingdom publishers) devote 100 hours each month to witnessing. Paid employees of the Watchtower Society who are expected to spend about 150 hours per month on evangelism. Jehovah’s Witnesses hold religions services in buildings called Kingdom Halls (could be rented). There are no crosses displayed inside or outside the Kingdom Hall. Holy Books Jehovah’s Witness have a special translation if the Bible called the New World Translation. The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, there are six volumes between 1950 and 1960. Membership Today Since 1995 the Watchtower society have quickly become less encouraging. Similarities and Differences Both religions believe in only one God and both live lives that are guided by a book, the bible. Differences include that Witnesses must advertise their practice and attend meetings 3 times a weeks, while Catholics are free to live the lives they feel are best suited for them.