THE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

8. THE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

9. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • Founder- • Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916)

10. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) Key writings- • Bible (New World Translation only)

11. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • The New World (Mis)Translation? • For years the JW’s desired to keep the members of its translating committee a secret so as to remain “anonymous and humble”

12. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • The New World (Mis)Translation? • When the identities of the 5 primary translators became known to the public in the 1950’s, it became evident that they were highly unqualified:

13. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • The New World (Mis)Translation? - 4 of the 5 had no language training (only a HS education) - the 5th member had no theological training (dropped out of college after his sophomore year)

14. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • The New World (Mis)Translation? • Thus, the NWT has been universally discredited by every legitimate biblical and linguistic scholar

15. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) Key writings- • Bible (New World Translation only) • You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth • Reasoning from the Scriptures • Watchtower magazine • Awake! magazine

16. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • Who is God? • One-person God called “Jehovah” (“Strict Monotheism”) • No Trinity!

17. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • The name “Jehovah” • The primary Hebrew name for God found in the Old Testament is YHWH (“Yahweh”) • Fearing a violation of the 3rd commandment, orthodox Jews would substitute Adonai (Lord) whenever YHWH appeared in Scripture

18. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • The name “Jehovah” • Eventually, Hebrew scribes began to insert the vowels of Adonai (a,o,a) into YHWH, resulting in Yahowah(Jehovah) • Ironically, Watchtower literature acknowledges the fact that Jehovah is not a biblical name for God- it is man-made!

19. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • Who is Jesus? • The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Jesus is not God • Jesus is believed to be the first being Jehovah created • Before he lived on earth, he was Michael, the archangel

20. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • Who is Jesus? • On earth he was a man who lived a perfect life • After dying on a stake (not a cross), he was resurrected as a spirit

21. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • Who is Jesus? • He is not coming again- he already “returned” invisibly in 1914 in spirit • Very soon, he and the angels will destroy all non-Jehovah’s Witnesses

22. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • Beliefs and Practices • Meet in “Kingdom Halls” • Once a year, members observe “Lord’s Evening Meal” (like communion)

23. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • Beliefs and Practices • Members are not allowed to… • observe holidays or birthdays • vote • salute the flag • work in the military • accept blood transfusions

24. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. NASB In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. NWT

25. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) In the beginning was the Word En archēēnho logos and the Word was with God kai ho logos ēn pros ton theon and the Word was God kai theos ēn ho logos

26. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) A short Greek language lesson might be helpful… 1. “ēn” is the verb “was” in the imperfect past tense (a continuous action usually occurring in the past) 2. “ho”, which is the definite article “the”, typically points to the subject

27. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) A short Greek language lesson might be helpful… 3. “ton” is also the definite article “the”, yet it doesn’t point to the subject 4. If John wanted to say the Word was divine-like, he could have chosen the adjective “theios”

28. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) In the beginning was the Word En archēēnho logos and the Word was with God kai ho logos ēn pros ton theon and the Word was God kai theos ēn ho logos

29. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • “The Alpha and the Omega” passages in Revelation “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says Jehovah God, “the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8, NWT

30. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • “The Alpha and the Omega” passages in Revelation “Do not be fearful, I am the First and the Last, and the living one; and I became dead, but look! I am living forever and ever” Revelation 1:17-18, NWT

31. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • “The Alpha and the Omega” passages in Revelation “Look! I am coming quickly, and the reward I give is with me, to render to each one as his work is. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Revelation 22:12-13, NWT

32. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • “The Alpha and the Omega” passages in Revelation He that bears witness of these things says, “Yes; I am coming quickly.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20, NWT

33. JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (Watchtower Bible & Tract Society) • “The Alpha and the Omega” passages in Revelation • The Alpha and the Omega: • is Jehovah God • died but now is living forever • is coming quickly • is the Lord Jesus!