Name	Jehovah's Witnesses
Caption	International headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York
Main classification	Restorationist(Christian primitivism)
Polity	Modified presbyterian polity
Structure	Hierarchical
Founder	Charles Taze Russell(Bible Student movement)Joseph Franklin Rutherford (Jehovah's Witnesses)
Founded date	late 1870s: Bible Student movement begins1931: Name Jehovah's witnesses adopted
Founded place	Pennsylvania and New York, USA
Parent	Bible Student movement
Separations	See Jehovah's Witnessessplinter groups
Area	Worldwide
Congregations	107,210
Members	7.5 million
Footnotes	Statistics from 2011 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses
Website	http://www.watchtower.org

Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity. The religion reports worldwide membership of over 7 million adherents involved in evangelism, convention attendance of over 12 million, and annual Memorial attendance of over 18 million. They are directed by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, a group of elders that exercises authority on all doctrinal matters. Witnesses base their beliefs on the Bible, and prefer their own translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Their central belief is the imminent destruction of the present world order at Armageddon and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth, which they consider to be the only solution for all problems faced by humankind.

The group emerged from the Bible Student movement, founded in the late 19th century by Charles Taze Russell, with the formation of Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society. The name Jehovah's witnesses, based on Isaiah 43:10–12, was adopted in 1931 to distinguish themselves from other groups of Bible Students. Jehovah's Witnesses are best known for their door-to-door preaching, distribution of literature such as The Watchtower and Awake!, and for their refusal of military service and blood transfusions. They consider use of the name Jehovah vital for proper worship. They reject Trinitarianism, inherent immortality of the soul, and hellfire, which they consider to be unscriptural doctrines. They do not observe celebrations such as Christmas, Easter or birthdays, because of their pagan origins which they believe are not compatible with Christianity. Adherents commonly refer to their body of beliefs as "the Truth" and consider themselves to be "in the truth". Jehovah's Witnesses consider secular society to be morally corrupt and under the influence of Satan, and limit their social interaction with non-Witnesses.

Baptized members who violate the organization's fundamental moral principles or who dispute doctrinal matters may be subject to disciplinary action including expulsion and shunning ("disfellowshipping"). Members who formally leave the religion ("disassociating") are also shunned. Disfellowshipped members may eventually be reinstated to the congregation if deemed repentant.

The religion's position regarding conscientious objection to military service and refusal to salute national flags has brought it into conflict with some governments. Consequently, activities of Jehovah's Witnesses have been banned or restricted in some countries. Persistent legal challenges by Jehovah's Witnesses have had considerable influence on legislation related to civil rights in various countries.

History

(1852–1916).]]

Background (1870–1916)

In 1870, Charles Taze Russell and others formed an independent group to study the Bible. In 1877 Russell jointly edited a religious journal, Herald of the Morning, with Nelson H. Barbour. The pair co-wrote Three Worlds, in which they taught that Christ had returned in 1874 and that 1914 would mark the end of a 2520-year period called "the Gentile Times". In July 1879, after separating from Barbour, Russell began publishing the magazine Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, highlighting his interpretations of biblical chronology, with particular attention to the belief that the world was in "the last days" and that a new age was imminent. In 1889, Russell taught that "the 'battle of the great day of God Almighty' ... is already commenced" and would culminate with the overthrow of all political rulership in 1914, at the end of "the Gentile Times".

From 1879 Watch Tower supporters gathered as autonomous congregations to study the Bible and Russell's writings, including his six-volume series, Studies in the Scriptures. Russell established Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society in 1881, which was incorporated in 1884 as a "business convenience" to distribute tracts and Bibles. Russell died in October 1916 while on a preaching campaign.

Reorganization (1917–1942)

In January 1917, the Watch Tower Society's legal representative, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, was elected as its next president. His election was disputed, triggering a major turnover of members over the next decade. Rutherford centralized organizational control of the Watch Tower Society. In 1919 the Brooklyn headquarters appointed a director in each congregation, and a year later all members were instructed to report their preaching activity weekly. He released The Finished Mystery as the seventh volume of Russell's Studies in the Scriptures, which strongly criticized Catholic and Protestant clergy and Christian involvement in war. As a result, Watch Tower Society directors were jailed for sedition under the Espionage Act in 1918 and members were subjected to mob violence; charges against the directors were dropped in 1920.

By mid-1919, about one in seven Bible Students had left rather than accepted Rutherford's leadership. At an international convention held at Cedar Point, Ohio, in September 1922, a new emphasis was made on house-to-house preaching. Significant changes in doctrine were made under Rutherford's leadership, including the 1918 announcement that Jewish patriarchs (such as Abraham and Isaac) would be resurrected in 1925, marking the beginning of Christ's thousand-year reign. Many members became dissatisfied with Rutherford's leadership, resulting in the formation of various Bible Student groups independent of the Watch Tower Society. William Schnell, author and former Witness, has claimed that three quarters of the Bible Students who had been associating in 1921 had left by 1931. In 1930 Rutherford stated that "the total number of those who have withdrawn from the Society ... is comparatively large."

On July 26, 1931, at a convention in Columbus, Ohio, Rutherford announced the new name—Jehovah's witnesses—based on Isaiah 43:10: "Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and my servant whom I have chosen"—which was adopted by resolution. Rutherford said he was inspired to select the name to distinguish his group of Bible Students from other independent groups that had severed ties with the changing Watch Tower Society.

In 1932, Rutherford eliminated the system of locally elected elders and in 1938 introduced what he called a "theocratic" (literally, God-ruled) organizational system, under which appointments in congregations worldwide were made from the Brooklyn headquarters.

In 1932, Rutherford taught that a separate class of members would live in a paradise restored on earth; from 1935, new converts to the movement were considered part of that class. Previously, membership was generally composed of those who believed they would be resurrected to live in heaven to rule over earth with Christ. By 1933, the timing of the beginning of Christ's presence (Greek: parousía), his enthronement as king, and the start of the "last days" were each moved to 1914.

As their interpretations of scripture developed, Witness publications taught that saluting national flags and singing the national anthem are forms of idolatry, which led to a new outbreak of mob violence and government opposition in the United States, Canada, Germany, and other countries.

Continued development (1942–present)

Following Rutherford's death in January 1942, Nathan Knorr was appointed as third president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. He commissioned a new translation of the Bible, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, the full version of which was released in 1961. He organized large international assemblies, instituted new training programs for members, and expanded missionary activity and branch offices throughout the world. Knorr's presidency was also marked by an increasing use of explicit instructions guiding Witnesses in their lifestyle and conduct, and a greater use of congregational judicial procedures to enforce strict moral codes.

From 1966, Witness publications and convention talks built anticipation of the possibility that Christ's thousand-year reign might begin in late 1975 or shortly thereafter. The number of baptisms increased significantly, from about 59,000 in 1966 to more than 297,000 in 1974, but membership declined after expectations for the year were proved wrong. Watch Tower Society literature did not state dogmatically that 1975 would definitely mark the end, but in 1980 the Watch Tower Society admitted its responsibility in building up hope regarding that year.

The offices of elder and ministerial servant were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments made from headquarters (and later, also by branch committees). In a major organizational overhaul in 1976, the power of the Watch Tower Society president was diminished, with authority for doctrinal and organizational decisions passed to the Governing Body. Reflecting these organizational changes, publications of Jehovah's Witnesses began using the capitalized name, Jehovah's Witnesses. Since Knorr's death in 1977, the position of president has been occupied by Frederick Franz (1977–1992) and Milton Henschel (1992–2000), both members of the Governing Body, and since 2000 by Don A. Adams, not a member of the Governing Body.

Organization

Jehovah's Witnesses are organized under a hierarchical arrangement, which their leadership calls a "theocratic government", reflecting their belief that it is God's organization on earth. The organization is headed by the Governing Body—an all-male group that varies in size, but since December 2010 has comprised seven members, all of whom profess to be of the "anointed" class with a hope of heavenly life—based in the Watch Tower Society's Brooklyn, New York headquarters. There is no election for membership; new members are selected by the existing body. The Governing Body is described as the "spokesman" for God's "faithful and discreet slave class" (approximately 10,000 self-professed "anointed" Jehovah's Witnesses). It directs several committees that are responsible for administrative functions, including publishing, assembly programs and evangelizing activities. after they have been recommended by local branches, with traveling overseers supervising groups of congregations within their jurisdictions.

Each congregation has a body of appointed unpaid male elders and ministerial servants. Elders maintain general responsibility for congregational governance, setting meeting times, selecting speakers and conducting meetings, directing the public preaching work, and creating "judicial committees" to investigate and decide disciplinary action for cases that are seen as breaching their doctrines. New elders are appointed by branch offices after recommendation by the existing body of elders. Ministerial servants—appointed in a similar manner to elders—fulfill clerical and attendant duties, but may also teach and conduct meetings. though elders may employ ecclesiastical privilege.

Individuals undergoing baptism must affirm publicly that dedication and baptism identify them "as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization," though Witness publications say baptism symbolizes personal dedication to God and not "to a man, work or organization." Watch Tower publications emphasize the need for members to be obedient and loyal to Jehovah and to "his organization", stating that individuals must remain part of it to receive God's favor and to survive Armageddon. Witness publications state that acceptable service to God can be rendered only through that organization and that members should remain submissive to the religion's leaders and to local congregational elders. There is no tithing or collection; funding for all activities of the organization is provided by voluntary contributions, primarily from members.

Classification

Sociologist James A. Beckford has classified the organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses as Totalizing, characterized by an assertive leadership, specific and narrow objectives, control over competing demands on members' time and energy, and control over the quality of new members. Other characteristics of the classification include likelihood of friction with secular authorities, reluctance to co-operate with other religious organizations, a high rate of membership turnover, a low rate of doctrinal change, and strict uniformity of beliefs among members. Beckford identified the religion's chief characteristics as historicism (identifying historical events as relating to the outworking of God's purpose), absolutism (conviction that the Watch Tower Society dispenses absolute truth), activism (capacity to motivate members to perform missionary tasks), rationalism (conviction that Witness doctrines have a rational basis devoid of mystery), authoritarianism (rigid presentation of regulations without the opportunity for criticism) and world indifference (rejection of certain secular requirements and medical treatments).

Sociologist Bryan R. Wilson, in his consideration of five religions including Jehovah's Witnesses, noted that each of the religions: #"exists in a state of tension with the wider society;" #"imposes tests of merit on would-be members;" #"exercises stern discipline, regulating the declared beliefs and the life habits of members and prescribing and operating sanctions for those who deviate, including the possibility of expulsion;" #"demands sustained and total commitment from its members, and the subordination, and perhaps even the exclusion of all other interests."

Beliefs

Sources of doctrine

Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body, which assumes responsibility for interpreting and applying scripture. Watch Tower Society publications claim that doctrinal changes and refinements result from a process of progressive revelation, in which God gradually reveals his will and purpose. Watch Tower Society literature has suggested such enlightenment results from the application of reason and study, the guidance of the holy spirit, and direction from Jesus Christ and angels. Watch Tower publications say "responsible representatives" of the "faithful and discreet slave class" at the religion's headquarters are helped by the holy spirit to discern "deep truths", which are then considered by the entire Governing Body before it makes doctrinal decisions. Witness publications say the religion's teachings are "not from men, but from Jehovah", but they also disclaim both divine inspiration and infallibility.

The entire Protestant canon of scripture is considered the inspired, inerrant word of God. Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be scientifically and historically accurate and reliable and interpret much of it literally, but accept parts of it as symbolic. They consider the Bible to be the final authority for all their beliefs, although sociologist Andrew Holden's ethnographic study of the religion concluded that pronouncements of the Governing Body, through Watch Tower Society publications, carry almost as much weight as the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses believe their religion restores the doctrines of "true" Christianity. The religion makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings and all Witnesses must abide by its doctrines and organizational requirements. The Watch Tower Society discourages Witnesses from Bible research or study independent of its publications and meetings.

Jehovah and Jesus Christ

Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize use of God's biblical name, represented in the original texts by the Tetragrammaton, and in English they prefer to use the name, Jehovah. They believe that Jehovah is the only true God, the creator of all things, and give him the title "Universal Sovereign". They believe that all worship should be directed toward him, and that he is not part of a Trinity; consequently, the religion places more emphasis on God than on Christ. They believe that the Holy Spirit is God's power or "active force" rather than an individual.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was God's only direct creation, that everything else was created by means of Christ, and that the initial unassisted act of creation uniquely identifies Jesus as God's "only-begotten Son". Jesus served as a redeemer and a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of humankind. They believe Jesus died on a single upright torture stake rather than the traditional cross. They believe that references in the Bible to the Archangel Michael, Apollyon (a.k.a. Abaddon), and the Word all refer to Jesus. Jesus is considered to be the only mediator between God and humankind, and appointed by God as the king and judge of his kingdom.

Satan

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship. Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to obey him rather than God, and humanity subsequently became participants in a challenge involving the competing claims of Jehovah and Satan to universal sovereignty. Other angels who sided with Satan became demons.

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Satan and his demons were cast down to earth from heaven after October 1, 1914, at which point the end times began. Witnesses believe that Satan is the ruler of the current world order, that human society is influenced and misled by Satan and his demons, and that they are a cause of human suffering. However, they do not believe that individual rulers or governments are under Satan's direct control.

Life after death

Jehovah's Witnesses believe death is a state of non-existence with no consciousness. There is no Hell of fiery torment; Hades and Sheol are understood to refer to the condition of death, termed the common grave. Jehovah's Witnesses consider the soul to be a life or a living body that can die. Their hope for life after death involves being resurrected by God to a cleansed earth after Armageddon, or to heaven for the limited number of 144,000. Those remaining on earth are referred to as the "other sheep".

Watch Tower Society publications teach that humanity is in a sinful state, from which release is only possible by means of Jesus' shed blood as a payment, or atonement, for the sins of humankind. Witnesses believe there are two destinations for those saved by God. They interpret Revelation 14:1-5 to mean that the number of Christians going to heaven is limited to exactly 144,000, who will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over earth. The remainder hope to live forever in an earthly paradise. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that only they meet scriptural requirements for surviving Armageddon, but that God is the final judge. During the millennium, most other people who died since the time of Abel and prior to Armageddon will be resurrected with the prospect of living forever; they will be taught the proper way to worship God in order for them to be ready for their final test before the end of the millennium.

God's kingdom

Witness publications teach that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 Christians drawn from the earth. The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the earth, transforming earth into a paradise without sickness or death. It is said to have been the focal point of Jesus' ministry on earth and established in heaven in 1914. They believe 1914 marks the restoration of God's rule over earth after being halted for 2520 years since 607 BC, the date they uniquely assign to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians.

Eschatology

A central teaching of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the current world era, or "system of things", entered the "last days" in 1914 and faces imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God acceptably. They consider all other present-day religions to be false, identifying them with "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17, and believe that they will soon be destroyed by the United Nations. This development will mark the beginning of the great tribulation. Satan will subsequently attack Jehovah's Witnesses, an action that will prompt God to begin the war of Armageddon, during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Christ's "sheep", or true followers, will be destroyed. After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth, which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the garden of Eden. After Armageddon, most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected during "judgment day" lasting for a thousand years. This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection, not on past deeds. At the end of the thousand years, a final test will take place when Satan is released to mislead perfect mankind. The end result will be a fully tested, glorified human race. Christ will then hand all authority back to God.

Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven as king of God's Kingdom in October 1914, and that Satan was subsequently ousted from heaven to the earth, resulting in "woe" to mankind. They believe that Jesus rules invisibly, perceived only as a series of "signs". They base this belief on a rendering of the Greek word parousia—usually translated as "coming" when referring to Christ—as "presence". They believe Jesus' presence refers to a period of unknown duration rather than a moment of arrival.

Practices

Worship

Meetings for worship and study are held at Kingdom Halls, which are typically functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols. Congregations meet for two sessions each week comprising five distinct meetings that total about three-and-a-half hours, typically gathering mid-week (three meetings) and on the weekend (two meetings). Gatherings are opened and closed with kingdom songs and brief prayers. Each year, Witnesses from a number of congregations that form a "circuit" gather for one-day, and two-day assemblies. Several circuits meet once a year for a three-day "district convention", usually at rented stadiums or auditoriums. Their most important and solemn event is the commemoration of the "Lord's Evening Meal", or "Memorial of Christ's Death", which generally falls on the same date as the Jewish Passover.

Evangelism

Jehovah's Witnesses are perhaps best known for their efforts to spread their beliefs, most notably by visiting people from house to house. Free home Bible studies are offered to people who show interest in their beliefs, which they present with the aid of books, brochures and magazines, including The Watchtower. Some literature is available in more than 500 languages. Witnesses are told they are under a biblical command to engage in public preaching. They are instructed to devote as much time as possible to their ministry and are required to submit an individual monthly "Field Service Report". Baptized members who fail to submit a report every month are referred to as "irregular" and may be counseled by elders; those who do not submit a report for six consecutive months are referred to as "inactive".

Ethics and morality

Their view of morality reflects conservative Christian values. All sexual relations outside of marriage are grounds for expulsion if the individual is not deemed repentant. Abortion is considered murder. Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently emphasized. Gambling, drunkenness, illegal drugs, and tobacco use are forbidden. Drinking of alcoholic beverages is permitted in moderation.

The family structure is patriarchal. The husband is considered the final authority on family decisions, but is encouraged to solicit his wife's thoughts and feelings, as well as those of his children. Marriages are required to be monogamous. Divorce is discouraged, and remarriage is not permitted unless a divorce is obtained on the grounds of adultery, referred to as "a scriptural divorce". If a divorce is obtained for any other reason, remarriage is considered adultery while the previous spouse is still alive and has not begun another sexual relationship. Extreme physical abuse, willful non-support of one's family, and what the religion terms "absolute endangerment of spirituality" are considered grounds for legal separation.

Disciplinary action

Formal discipline is administered by congregation elders. Counseling and shepherding are emphasized as primary roles of congregation elders. When an allegation of "serious sin" is made concerning a baptized member, a judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, provide help and possibly administer discipline. Disfellowshipping, a form of shunning, is the strongest form of discipline administered. Contact with disfellowshipped individuals is limited to direct family members living in the same home, and with congregation elders who may invite disfellowshipped persons to apply for reinstatement; formal business dealings may continue if contractually or financially obliged. Witnesses are taught that avoiding social and spiritual interaction with disfellowshipped individuals keeps the congregation free from immoral influence and that "losing precious fellowship with loved ones may help [the shunned individual] to come “to his senses,” see the seriousness of his wrong, and take steps to return to Jehovah." The practice of shunning may also serve to deter other members from dissident behavior. Members who formally disassociate themselves are also shunned. Reproof is given formally by a judicial committee to a baptized Witness who is considered repentant of "serious sin"; the reproved person temporarily loses conspicuous privileges of service, but suffers no restriction of social or spiritual fellowship. Marking is practiced if a baptized member persists in a course of action regarded as a violation of Bible principles but not a "serious sin".

Separateness

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible condemns the mixing of religions, on the basis that there can only be one truth from God, and therefore reject interfaith and ecumenical movements. They believe that only their religion represents true Christianity, and that other religions fail to meet all the requirements set by God and will soon be destroyed. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that it is vital to remain "separate from the world." Watch Tower Society publications define the "world" as "the mass of mankind apart from Jehovah's approved servants" and teach that it is ruled by Satan and a place of danger and moral contamination. Because of perceived dangers from "worldly" association, Witnesses are advised to minimize social contact with non-members to better maintain their own standards of morality.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe their highest allegiance belongs to God's kingdom, which is viewed as an actual government in heaven, with Christ as king. They remain politically neutral, do not seek public office, and are discouraged from voting, though individual members may participate in uncontroversial community improvement issues. They abstain from celebrating religious holidays and birthdays and reject many customs they believe have pagan origins. They do not work in industries associated with the military, do not serve in the armed services, and refuse national military service, which in some countries may result in their arrest and imprisonment. They do not salute or pledge allegiance to flags or sing national anthems or patriotic songs. Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as a worldwide brotherhood that transcends national boundaries and ethnic loyalties.

Rejection of blood transfusions

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions, which they consider a violation of God's law based on their interpretation of Acts 15:28, 29 and other scriptures. Since 1961 the willing acceptance of a blood transfusion by an unrepentant member has been grounds for expulsion from the religion. Watch Tower Society literature directs Witnesses to refuse blood transfusions, even in "a life-or-death situation". Jehovah's Witnesses accept non-blood alternatives and other medical procedures in lieu of blood transfusions, and the Watch Tower Society provides information about current non-blood medical procedures.

Though Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept blood transfusions of whole blood, they may accept some blood plasma fractions at their own discretion. The Watch Tower Society provides pre-formatted Power of Attorney documents prohibiting major blood components, in which members can specify which allowable fractions and treatments they will personally accept. Jehovah's Witnesses have established Hospital Liaison Committees as a cooperative arrangement between individual Jehovah's Witnesses and medical professionals and hospitals.

Demographics

Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries, though they do not form a large part of the population of any country. As of August 2010, Jehovah's Witnesses have an average of 7.2 million "publishers", the term they use for members actively involved in preaching. In 2010, these reports indicated a total of over 1.6 billion hours spent in preaching and Bible study activity. Since the mid-1990s, the number of peak publishers has increased from 4.5 million to 7.5 million, The worldwide growth rate of Jehovah's Witnesses is currently 2.5% per year. The official published membership statistics include only those who submit reports for their personal ministry; official statistics do not include "inactive" and disfellowshipped members or those who merely attend meetings. As a result, only about half of those who self-identified as Jehovah's Witnesses in independent demographic studies are considered "active" by the faith itself.

There are more than 100,000 congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide. Congregations reflect the languages spoken in their communities. For example, by 2002, nearly 3,000 of the 10,000 congregations in the United States conducted meetings in 38 languages other than English.

Opposition

The beliefs, doctrines and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses have engendered controversy and opposition from local governments, communities, and religious groups. Religious commentator Ken Jubber wrote that "Viewed globally, this persecution has been so persistent and of such an intensity that it would not be inaccurate to regard Jehovah's witnesses as the most persecuted religion of the twentieth century."

Persecution

Political and religious animosity against Jehovah's Witnesses has at times led to mob action and government oppression in various countries. Their doctrine of political neutrality and their refusal to serve in the military has led to imprisonment of members who refused conscription during World War II and at other times where national service has been compulsory. In Germany, as many as 12,000 Witnesses were sent to concentration camps, and were identified by purple triangles; as many as 5000 died. More than 200 men were executed at the orders of German war courts. In Canada, Jehovah's Witnesses were interned in camps along with political dissidents and people of Chinese and Japanese descent. In the former Soviet Union, about 9300 Jehovah's Witness families were deported to Siberia as part of Operation North in April 1951. Their religious activities are currently banned or restricted in some countries, including China, Vietnam and some Islamic states.

Legal challenges

Many cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses have been heard by Supreme Courts throughout the world. Their persistent legal challenges have helped to widen the definition of civil liberties in many countries. The cases generally relate to the right to practice their religion, displays of patriotism and military service, and blood transfusions.

Criticism

Jehovah's Witnesses have attracted criticism over issues surrounding their Bible translation, doctrines, their handling of sexual abuse cases, and what is claimed to be coercion of members. Many of the claims are denied by Jehovah's Witnesses and some have also been disputed by courts and religious scholars.

Denial of free speech and thought

Critics have described the religion's leadership as autocratic and totalitarian because of Watch Tower Society requirements for loyalty and obedience by Witnesses, intolerance of dissent about doctrines and practices, and the practice of shunning members who cannot conscientiously agree with all the religion's teachings. Sociologist Andrew Holden says those who choose to leave the religion "are seldom allowed a dignified exit." Sociologist Rodney Stark, however, states that while Jehovah's Witness leaders are "not always very democratic" and members are expected to conform to "rather strict standards," enforcement tends to be informal, sustained by close bonds of friendship and that Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as "part of the power structure rather than subject to it." Critics charge that Jehovah's Witnesses disparage "independent thinking", such as questioning the counsel it provides, and have accused the Watch Tower Society of using elements of mind control by exercising "intellectual dominance" over Witnesses, controlling information and creating "mental isolation". In a case involving Jehovah's Witnesses' activities in Russia, the European Court of Human Rights stated that the religion's requirements "are not fundamentally different from similar limitations that other religions impose on their followers' private lives" and that charges of "mind control" were "based on conjecture and uncorroborated by fact."

New World Translation

Some Bible scholars including Bruce M. Metzger have noted that the translation of certain texts in its New World Translation of the Bible is biased in favor of Witness practices and doctrines. English Bible editor Dr. Harold H. Rowley criticized the pre-release edition of the first volume (Genesis to Ruth) published in 1953 as "a shining example of how the Bible should not be translated." In his study on nine of "the Bibles most widely in use in the English-speaking world" Bible scholar Jason BeDuhn noted that the New World Translation was not bias free, but that he considered it to be "the most accurate of the translations compared," and "a remarkably good translation." Professor Benjamin Kedar of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem described the translation as "an honest endeavor to achieve an understanding of the text that is as accurate as possible."

Bruce M. Metzger after stating,"on the whole, one gains a tolerably good impression of the scholarly equipment of the translators", goes on to criticize their insertion of the name Jehovah in the New Testament since it does not appear in the extant Greek manuscripts. Watch Tower Society publications have said the name was "restored" on a sound basis, particularly when New Testament writers used the Greek Kyrios (Lord) when quoting Old Testament scriptures that contained the Tetragrammaton. That view is endorsed by Bible scholar George Howard and R. B. Girdlestone, late principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.

Failed predictions

Watch Tower Society publications have claimed that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses (and previously, the International Bible Students) to declare his will and has equipped them with advanced knowledge about future world events. Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz, who became a critic of the religion, has cited publications that claimed that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses and the International Bible Students as a modern-day prophet. Jehovah's Witnesses' publications have made various predictions about world events they believe were prophesied in the Bible. Failed predictions have led to the alteration or abandonment of some doctrines. Critics highlight failed predictions that the Watch Tower Society had claimed were "beyond doubt" or "approved by God". The Watch Tower Society rejects accusations that it is a false prophet. It says that unlike Old Testament prophets its interpretations of the Bible are not inspired or infallible, and that its predictions were not claimed as "the words of Jehovah."

Handling of sexual abuse cases

As recently as 2007, some critics have accused Jehovah's Witnesses of employing organizational policies that make the reporting of sexual abuse difficult for members. Some victims of sexual abuse have asserted that they were ordered by local elders to maintain silence so as to avoid embarrassment to both the accused and the organization. Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that they have no policy of silence, and that elders are directed to report abuse to authorities when there is evidence of abuse, and when required to by law. In 1997, Jehovah's Witnesses' Office of Public Information published their policy for elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities where required by law to do so, even if there was only one witness. Any person known to have sexually abused a child is prohibited from holding any responsibility inside the organization. Unless considered by the congregation elders to demonstrate repentance, such a person is typically disfellowshipped.

References

Further reading

Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses by M. James Penton. Penton, professor emeritus of history at University of Lethbridge and a former member of the religion, examines the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, and their doctrines. Read selections from: Apocalypse Delayed: the Story of Jehovah's Witnesses University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3 (Canada, 1998) (Google book search)

Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement by Andrew Holden. An academic study on the sociological aspects of Jehovah's Witnesses phenomenon. Publisher: Routledge; 1st edition 2002, ISBN 978–0415266109.

Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993) by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Official history of the development of the beliefs, practices, and organisational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Counting the Days to Armageddon by Robert Crompton (1996). A detailed examination of the development of Jehovah's Witnesses' eschatology. James Clarke & Co, Cambridge, ISBN 0-227-67939-3.

Millions Now Living Will Never Die by Alan Rogerson. Detailed history of the Watch Tower movement, particularly its early years, a summary of Witness doctrines and the organizational and personal framework in which Witnesses conduct their lives. Constable & Co, London, 1969. SBN 094559406

State and Salvation by William Kaplan (1989). Documents the Witnesses' fight for civil rights in Canada and the US amid political persecution during World War II. University of Toronto Press, ISBN 0-8020-5842-6.

External links

Official sites

Jehovah's Witnesses: Watch Tower Society Official Web Site

Jehovah's Witnesses: Office of Public Information and Archives

Official Jehovah's Witnesses website for distribution of publications and free MP3 & AAC downloads

Other sites

Strictly Genteel Theocratic Resources – Scans of complete books and booklets from Russell's era to Knorr's.

'Knocking' – A documentary about Jehovah's Witnesses. Sample Trailer

Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Grow So Rapidly: A Theoretical Explanation – Theory documented by sociologists Rodney Stark & Laurence R. Iannaccone.

Who are Jehovah's Witnesses, What are their beliefs Chapter from book, Religious Denominations In The United States by Frank S. Mead, Samuel S. Hill and Craig D. Atwood, (2005). Abingdon Press.

Category:Bible Student movement Category:Premillennialism Category:Restorationism Category:Christian new religious movements Category:Nontrinitarian denominations

Paul David Washer (born 1961) is Director of the HeartCry Missionary Society that supports indigenous missionary work. He is also a Southern Baptist itinerant preacher. Washer's sermons tend to have a particular focus on the Gospel and the doctrine of Assurance of salvation, and he frequently speaks out against practices such as Altar calls, the Sinner's prayer, and church growth. Washer has cited George Muller, John Piper, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, Charles Spurgeon, Leonard Ravenhill, John Wesley and A.W. Tozer, among others, as influences. He has frequently appeared on Christian radio and television discussing the Gospel.

Washer became a Christian while studying to become an oil and gas lawyer at the University of Texas. Upon graduation, he attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and achieved a Master of Divinity degree. He then moved to Peru to become a missionary for 10 years, after which he returned to the United States. Today, Washer resides in Radford, Virginia, where he lives with his wife and three children.

Books written

The One True God

Truth About Man

References

External links

Paul Washer's Missionary Organization: http://www.heartcrymissionary.com

Shocking Message Transcript: http://www.scribd.com/doc/789/The-Truth-About-Christianity

Regeneration vs. Idolatry of Decisional Evangelism: http://adidab.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/paul-washer-transcript-01-regeneration-v-the-idolatry-of-decisional-evangelism/

Ten indictments video & transcript: http://adidab.wordpress.com/2009/05/05/paul-washer-transcript-03-ten-indictments/

Truth About Man Workbook: http://www.heartcrymissionary.com/resources/online_books

Brief Washer Biography: http://www.hcmissions.org/about/staff/2

Paul Washer Bible Study Video Series Studies: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8872D3C0103E8568

Paul Washer Biography on Theopedia: http://www.theopedia.com/Paul_Washer

Paul Washer en Español: http://salvacioneterna.com/pwasher.html

Category:American clergy Category:American people of Croatian descent Category:Southern Baptists Category:Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary alumni Category:1961 births Category:Living people