Jehovah's Witness

1. Jehovah's Witness Nick Sullivan, Bryan Nelson, Nick Stoicof

2. History • Founded in 1879 by Charles Taze Russell • When 17, tried to convert an atheist to Christianity, but was converted to being agnostic • Became inspired by an Adventist preacher, which will be the base of Russel’s doctrines and teachings • Made a bible study group

3. History • Bible study group got a magazine Herald of the Morning – said Christ would return in 1874 invisibly • Said in 1914, Armageddon and Jesus ruling for 1000 years ( never happened ) • Named group “Watchtower Society” • Died in 1916, Rutherford took over

4. History • Rutherford changed name to Jehovah's Witness • Preached that Abraham and the other prophets would rise from the dead in 1925 • When they did not come, he decided to build them a house • House sold in 1942 when Rutherford died

5. Nathan H.  Knorr • Knorr took over • During his rule, 1944 there were 98,076 active members by 1977 there were 2,223,538. • Set up door-to-door system used today • Armageddon was to happen in 1975, and young Watch Tower men and women were discouraged from having children and pursuing careers

6. Frederick W. Franz ( 1977-1992) • Milton Henschel (1992) – 2003) • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlHbz5G4UTM&feature=related

7. Jehovah Witness Beliefs Quotes • "The Bible has been used for centuries by Christians as a weapon of control. To read it literally is to believe in a three-tiered universe, to condone slavery, to treat women as inferior creatures, to believe that sickness is caused by God's punishment and that mental disease and epilepsy are caused by demonic possession. When someone tells me that they believe the Bible is the 'literal and inerrant word of God,' I always ask, 'Have you ever read it'?" Bishop John Shelby Spong. • "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 • “Jesus' stated that to lust after another person is to commit adultery with them in your heart. Thus they expect a gay or lesbian to suppress or distract themselves from their desire, longing, feelings of attraction, love, sexual fantasies etc. towards others of the same sex.” Website of Religious tolerance • "The Jehovah's Witness religion teaches its membership to believe that homosexuality is 'detestable', 'an abomination', 'abhorrent', and is caused by demon possession. Because of this, thousands of gay Witnesses are living lives of deeply closeted guilt, and fear of destruction by God. Those who choose to leave, or are expelled from the Witnesses face immediate isolation and shunning from family and friends. It is for this reason that 'A Common Bond' was created - to offer support and comfort to those who once thought they were alone and condemned...Gays and lesbians who have been kicked out of the JWs are in a special need for all the emotional and spiritual support they can get. If JWs don't conform completely to the sect's doctrines and practices, including a strict prohibition against merely being gay, they are disfellowshipped, which is a severe punishment. It amounts to total ostracism.“ Website of Religious tolerance

8. Jehovah Witness Beliefs • “The Truth” • They don’t believe in the Holy Trinity Jehovah Supreme Being Jesus is Gods son, first being to walk the earth. Separate from Jehovah They believe that the Holy spirit is an entity which interacts with man kind on behalf of Jehovah • “stauros” • “Christ's Second Coming was not a physical return to earth. It was an invisible event in 1914 in which Satan and Christ engaged in a heavenly battle. Afterwards, Christ began to the rule the Heavenly Kingdom as King of Kings. Satan was expelled to Earth. World War I was a visible sign of Satan's ousting from Heaven and earthly imprisonment. This event marked the beginning of the woes that would accompany the "last days of this system of things.“ From Religious Tolerance

9. Armageddon • In the very near future, the battle of Har-Magedon (Armageddon) will begin. Jesus will be sent down in human form yet again. Purification • Jesus Christ will be King. He will be the ruler of a "great crowd“. • Gods Kingdom for 1000, establishing the “New System.” • Soon after that 1000 years "there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." (Acts 24:15). Giving a second chance to those who weren't worthy before. The faithful will be granted eternal life. • “Humans do not have an immortal soul that continues on after death. When they die, they cease to exist. With the exception of those who have sinned against the Holy Spirit, and those who killed Jesus, and those who God has judged to receive eternal death, all are resurrected. God creates a new body for the resurrected one, similar to their former body, which for most had long since decomposed. The new body is mentally and physically healthy, with the original personality and memories intact. They will be judged according to their deeds.”

12. Beliefs • No drugs; alcohol in moderation • Sexual purity • Limited social environment • Pervasive us/them mentality • Everyone else is of the devil • Heavy control Not allowed to read literature critical of JW’s • Children discouraged from higher learning • Respect government but do not participate in elections • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5TmnLw0ZMY

13. Practices • Congregations • Attendance expected at weekly “book studies” (can be in homes) • Full congregations meet in “Kingdom Halls” • Ministers serve without pay • Disfellowshipping -- kicking people out of the family- SHUN • Communion or Lord’s Supper • Observed annually on date of Jesus’ death Nisan 14 -- March/April • Only 144,000 elite may take the elements • In 1999 the “partakers” worldwide were 8,755

14. Ways of Life • Literature put in prospect’s hands • “Back calling” or follow up • Prospect starts actual “book study” • Attendance at Kingdom Hall meetings • Attendance at worship services • Active tract distribution • Baptism

15. Ways of Life • No celebrating Christmas • No celebrating Easter • No celebrating birthdays • No celebrating Mother’s Day • No saluting of the national flag • No blood transfusions

16. These Guys Can’t Do Anything! • They can’t say “good luck” • They can’t play chess • They can’t join sports teams/clubs • They can’t wear jade jewelry • They can’t own wind chimes • They can’t buy girl scout cookies • They can’t speak to former members who are shunned

17. These Guys Can’t Do Anything! Cont. • They can’t salute the flag • They can’t stand for the national anthem or own a flag • Women can’t pray in presence of men without a hat or head covering • Only officially approved sexual practices are allowed in marriage! • Men can’t wear beards • All pastors are the antichrist • All churches are of Satan • Discouraged from attending college • God only speaks through governing body in Brooklyn, New York

18. These Guys Can’t Do Anything! Con’t • If you leave JW or are expelled, you will not be resurrected • Strongly discouraged from giving to charity • Discouraged from buying a 2 door car • Men must have short hair • Lol • A person who rejects JW message is called a goat • All other religions are called Babylon The Great • They can’t take blood transfusions • They call their church services “meetings” – 5 a week

19. But Wait, There’s More! • Can’t Vote • Can’t participate in a school play • Can’t support their country and be patriotic • Can’t say “God Bless You” (sneeze)

20. Daily Practices • Best known for their efforts towards conversion. (Go house to house advertising) • Bible studies open to everyone • All members require a monthly record listing all preaching/religious activities. • Use publications such as The Watchtower to explain their beliefs

21. Holidays • Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are observed • Religious holidays such as New Year’s, Halloween, Easter, and Christmas are not celebrated. They believe that these holidays come from ancient and false religions and should not be practiced. • Birthdays are also not celebrated

22. The Memorial • The Memorial is a contribution to the death of Jesus on behalf of all mankind • Also known as the Lord’s Evening Meal • Occurs the first full moon after the spring equinox (always held after sundown)

23. Modern Day “Musts” • Must contribute to a country that has suffered a natural disaster (hurricane, tsunami, ect.) either through money or physical labor. • Can not take in blood transfers (Not even in a life or death situation).

24. Your Decision to Serve God • To become a friend of God, you must obtain a good knowledge of Bible truth (1 Timothy 2:3, 4), put faith in the things you have learned (Hebrews 11:6), repent of your sins (Acts 17:30, 31), and turn around in your course of life. (Acts 3:19) Then your love for God should move you to dedicate yourself to him. This means that in a personal, private prayer you tell him that you are giving yourself to him to do his will.—Matthew 16:24; 22:37. • 2. After you have made your dedication to God, you should be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20) Baptism lets everyone know that you have dedicated yourself to Jehovah. So baptism is only for those who are old enough to make a decision to serve God. When a person is baptized, his whole body should be put under the water momentarily.*—Mark 1:9, 10; Acts 8:36. • 3. After you have made a dedication, Jehovah will expect you to live up to your promise. (Psalm 50:14; Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5) The Devil will try to stop you from serving Jehovah. (1 Peter 5:8) But draw close to God in prayer. (Philippians 4:6, 7) Study his Word each day. (Psalm 1:1-3) Stick close to the congregation. (Hebrews 13:17) By doing all of this, you will gain the strength to stay faithful to God. For all eternity you thus can do the things that God requires of you!

25. Works Cited • http://www.religioustolerance.org/witness3.htm • www.wikipedia.com • Mrs. H • http://www.religionfacts.com/jehovahs_witnesses/practices.htm • http://www.answerbag.com/c_view/3606 • http://www.watchtower.org/